Journey back in time with me. We are standing before the Antigua Garita de San Lázaro. This colonial-era military building once served as a vital sentry point. It was one of twelve intended for customs and tax enforcement. Think of them as gates ringing Mexico City.
The Garita de San Lázaro only functioned in this role from 1632 to 1647. Its primary function was to support personnel at the Merced Atarazanas Nuevas. This was a crucial shipping wharf. It received grain and produce from across Lake Texcoco. Today the building is the first structure announcing your arrival at the Merced Markets.
The area’s significance dates back to the 1520s. The Spanish were keenly interested in it. The Garita de San Lázaro isn’t quite that old. Yet, it housed two dwellings for guards and their families throughout the colonial period. It only underwent enlargement in 1820.
In 1896, the Antigua Garita de San Lázaro was remodeled into a primary school. Then in 1913, it briefly became the headquarters of the Federal Telegraph Directorate. By 1982 it was converted into a childcare facility. This served the Legislative Palace across the park. This later expanded into the José Revueltas school. It still separates the Garita de San Lázaro from the park to the south.
More recently, the PILARES Candelaria community center opened in 2019. This has greatly boosted restoration and conservation. The building was once badly neglected.
Declared a monument in 1931, the Antigua Garita de San Lázaro is now a protected landmark. It reminds the 20th-century neighborhood of their long past. On the other end of the Cámara de Diputados park is the San Jeronimito Chapel.
Beneath this entire area lies the Candelaria Metro station. It joins Metro Lines 1 and 4. The Garita de San Lázaro stands as a testament to Mexico City’s layered history.
Did you know that the Garita de San Lázaro has been many things? It began as a military outpost. Then it was a school and telegraph office. It even became a childcare center. Now it safeguards historical documents as the Historical Archive of the Chamber of Deputies.
Imagine the goods flowing through here. Supplies came from Lake Texcoco. The Garita de San Lázaro was the official gatekeeper. It oversaw products headed to bustling markets like La Merced.
The Garita de San Lázaro’s story is one of survival and adaptation. It shows the importance of preserving our history. Next time you’re near the Cámara de Diputados park remember to visit this unique building. The Garita de San Lázaro offers a journey through time.