Consider yourselves fortunate because here in San Lorenzo Tezonco, we stand at one of the sixteen original settlements of Iztapalapa. It is a place where history whispers from every corner. Today, let’s uncover some of the hidden stories.
San Lorenzo Tezonco. The name itself is a blend of cultures. “San Lorenzo” honors Saint Lawrence the Martyr, the patron saint of the Catholic community here. “Tezonco” comes from the Nahuatl words “tetzontli,” meaning tezontle, a volcanic rock, and “co,” meaning place. So, we are in the place of tezontle.
Imagine this area centuries ago. The town was on the northern edge of Lake Xochimilco. Chinampa agriculture flourished here. These floating gardens fed the people and tied their economy closely to the water.
But there’s more to San Lorenzo Tezonco than just its name and geography. The Hacienda de San Nicolás Tolentino once dominated this area. Its ruins are now part of the public cemetery. This hacienda and the town of Tezonco were often in dispute over land. Documents from 1633 even show a royal decree establishing Tezonco’s boundaries.
The church here is named Iglesia de San Lorenzo Diácono y Mártir. It holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. Within it lies the Chapel of El Pocito, and it honors Nuestro Señor de la Salud, the Lord of Health.
Now, let me tell you the tale of the Lord of Health. A terrible plague once swept through the Valley of Mexico. The people of Tezonco turned to the image in their local hermitage for help. Miraculously, a spring of pure water appeared beneath an ahuehuete tree in front of the church. Those who drank from it were healed.
The news spread far and wide. People came from Tláhuac, Milpa Alta, and other towns. They all sought the miraculous water of San Lorenzo Tezonco. In gratitude, the hermitage was replaced by the parish church we see today. The spring still flows and is now covered by the El Pocito Chapel. Locals freely distribute the water to those seeking health.
Construction of the current church began in 1855. It started as an expansion of the original chapel with an outdoor nave. The central Plaza Juárez is the heart of the town. Streets like San Lorenzo, Aldama, and others converge here. Don’t miss the Panteón Civil de San Lorenzo Tezonco. It is one of Mexico City’s largest cemeteries. It holds the remains of the Hacienda de San Nicolás Tolentino.
Also worth a visit is the Mercado San Lorenzo Tezonco. You can find it just west of the town center on Avenida Juárez. San Lorenzo Tezonco offers a glimpse into Mexico’s past. It is a story of resilience, faith, and community. As you wander through its streets, remember the stories whispered by the stones beneath your feet.