Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo

Journey with me back to the 16th century. Imagine the bustling heart of San Juan Tenochtitlan, one of four original neighborhoods. Right here, nestled among the vibrant community of San Pablo Zoquiapan, stood one of the earliest chapels. This was the predecessor of what we now know as the Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo. This sacred ground has witnessed centuries of history unfold, its stones absorbing the stories of countless souls. The Augustinians, assigned to this parish in the late 16th century, yearned to establish a colegio, a center of learning in the New World. Their ambition led to a fascinating exchange. They funded the construction of a new parish church, the Templo de San Pablo el Nuevo. In return, they gained control of the old temple, transforming it into the Colegio de San Pablo. The Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo we see today, or rather glimpse through the modern structures surrounding it, dates back to 1581. An even earlier temple was demolished to make way for this structure. For over three centuries, the Augustinian school flourished, becoming the largest in New Spain. The Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo, once a humble chapel, played a pivotal role in this intellectual blossoming. It bore witness to the arrival of 60 crates of books from Spain. These crates contained not only books but also medieval manuscripts, astrolabes, and library equipment, enriching the minds of countless students within the Colegio’s walls. The USA invasion of 1847 marked a turning point for the Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo. The temple was repurposed as a hospital. By 1860, the entire complex had been absorbed into what is now the Hospital Juárez Centro. Today, the Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo remains almost hidden, embraced by the modern medical complex. The façade peeks out from behind the fence, a subtle reminder of its rich history. Inside, a carved stone altar and an open chapel have been preserved, whispering tales of the past. The dome of the Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo collapsed in 1930. During its repair, the temple was adapted into an auditorium, further weaving its story into the fabric of the hospital community. Though largely hidden, the Iglesia San Pablo Los Gallo persists, a testament to its enduring presence amidst the ever-changing landscape of Mexico City.