Timeless Santa Catarina stands proudly. It’s a sanctuary in the heart of La Lagunilla. This bustling neighborhood is famous for its Sunday antiques market. But Santa Catarina offers a different kind of treasure. A history etched in stone and whispered through the ages.
Founded in 1568 by the Brotherhood of Santa Catarina. This religious order had been present since 1537. They established a hospital and a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. This was near the original lagoon. Legend says Hernán Cortés supported the complex. Think of the sheer scale of this undertaking. In those early days of the conquest. A testament to faith and resilience.
Santa Catarina’s strategic location is striking. It marks the beginning of the road to the Basilica de Guadalupe. It also stands directly north of the magnificent Cathedral. The plaza in front was once the atrium. It hosted welcoming events for new viceroys. As patron saint of the university many events happened here.
The church has weathered storms both literal and figurative. A great flood in 1629 severely damaged it. The Virgin of Guadalupe arrived by boat to comfort residents. Another flood in 1640 necessitated a complete rebuild lasting until 1662. Cristobal de Medina Vargas a renowned architect remodeled it between 1691 and 1692. The stunning Baroque side portal and main chapel are his legacy. A 1740 renovation brought us the structure we admire today. Simple yet majestic. Made of tezontle and quarry stone. It is truly remarkable.
Inside you’ll discover more treasures. A beautiful nave. An altar to Santa Maria Egipciaca. A chapel dedicated to the Precious Blood. Several 19th-century funerary monuments. And a pulpit a university chair carved in the 18th century. A 17th-century sculpture of the martyr adorns the main door. It shows the cartwheel the sword and the head of Emperor Magentius at her feet. This sculpture sparked the legend of ‘the rosary of the souls’.
Santa Catarina has been a source of peace and reflection for centuries. A witness to the growth and change of La Lagunilla. This ancient church is a testament to faith. A rich history. And enduring resilience. It stands as a symbol of hope. A place of quiet contemplation. In the midst of a vibrant and energetic city.