Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Mexico City, the Parroquia de San Agustin stands as a testament to faith and architectural grandeur. The Parroquia de San Agustin graces the Colonia Polanco in the Miguel Hidalgo borough. Its monumental presence captivates all who encounter it. This architectural marvel, designed by Leonardo Noriega Stávoli and engineered by Juan Valero Capetillo, was founded in 1949. The Parroquia de San Agustin isn’t just a building; it’s a story etched in stone and glass.
The facade of the Parroquia de San Agustin is a captivating narrative in itself. The reliefs depict the first seven Augustinian missionaries who arrived in the Americas in 1533, frozen in a moment of Eucharistic adoration. Above them, a series of arches leads the eye to the bell tower and choir, culminating in a grand espadaña. This bell gable, with its openings for bells, is flanked by two single-bodied towers, each crowned with a large stone cross. The main entrance is a marvel of modern sobriety, reminiscent of the Baroque style. It is adorned with intricate vegetal motifs, symbols of the Augustinian order, and those striking reliefs of the first missionaries.
The Parroquia de San Agustin’s location is as significant as its design. It sits at the heart of Colonia Polanco, between Horacio and Homero streets. These streets stretch from Mariano Escobedo Avenue to the east all the way to Anillo Periférico to the west. The church faces the América roundabout and park, creating a familiar landmark for locals and visitors alike. The church occupies an entire city block, a testament to its scale and importance. The massive nave is supported by twelve enormous buttresses, interspersed with large windows in the upper section and arches below. The entire exterior structure is clad in stone, giving it an appearance of solid, timeless strength. The half-dome over the altar has earned the Parroquia de San Agustin the affectionate nickname, “The Church of the Tinaco,” after the common fiberglass water tanks seen on Mexican rooftops.
Inside the Parroquia de San Agustin, the apse, with its ambulatory leading to the Chapel of Santa Rita, is framed by a prominent fajón arch. This arch is adorned with black marble figures. Another highlight is the cypress canopy from the Chapel of the Lord of Santa Teresa, originally housed in the Santa Teresa la Antigua convent, a work attributed to Lorenzo de Gámara y Ramírez. This cypress canopy witnessed a memorable event on October 10, 2010, when Carlos Slim Domit and María Elena Torrujo exchanged vows beneath its historic presence. The Parroquia de San Agustin continues to serve its community. It is overseen by a community of Augustinian priests belonging to the Province of Michoacán, one of the two Augustinian provinces in Mexico. This vibrant parish offers a range of religious services, welcoming all who seek solace and spiritual connection within its inspiring walls.