Iglesia san mateo

Gazing upon the Iglesia san mateo in San Mateo Tlaltenango, one can almost hear whispers of its storied past. This church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this historic village, one of the five original villages in Cuajimalpa. The very stones seem to echo with tales from the Quauhximalpan Codex, the earliest historical mention of San Mateo Tlaltenango. Iglesia san mateo has witnessed the changing tides of time, from its days as part of Hernán Cortés’ vast estate to its present role as the heart of this vibrant community. The original inhabitants, a mix of Nahua and Otomi peoples, likely worshipped here long before the church’s construction began in 1571. The Franciscans, who initiated the building, dedicated Iglesia san mateo to St. John the Baptist. Legend says he guided them to this very spot. Years later, the same saint supposedly directed the Carmelites to build their monastery at Desierto de los Leones. Upon their arrival in 1700, the residents rededicated Iglesia san mateo to San Mateo. The church’s Baroque facade, adorned with effigies of the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary, is crowned by a triangular pediment. Two bell towers frame the single nave. Look closely at the windows. They are decorated with allegorical stained glass. The walls hold a treasure trove of 16th-century paintings. A later remodeling added quarry stones to the facade. Sadly, a clock was dismantled and lost during another renovation. Every year on September 21, Iglesia san mateo becomes the epicenter of a three-day celebration in honor of Saint Matthew. The festivities are a vibrant tapestry of regional dances, music, and local traditions. Muleteers and singers join the revelry, creating a spectacle of sound and color. The air fills with the aroma of festive foods and the joyous sounds of celebration. Iglesia san mateo stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living embodiment of the history and spirit of San Mateo Tlaltenango.