“Hyperbolic paraboloid cloaks?” someone whispers while pointing at the roof. Welcome to the Church of Santa María de los Apóstoles. It is a modernist triumph in the Bosques de Tetlameya neighborhood. This prominent church stands proudly along the Periférico Sur highway in Coyoacán. It is located just south of the Estadio Azteca.
Built between 1967 and 1968, Santa María de los Apóstoles initially served as a chapel. At the time it was dependent on San Agustín de las Cuevas. It was primarily intended for use by Olympic athletes and visitors. It only became a parish in its own right in 1982.
Architect Alberto González Pozo designed the church with innovative light structures. He collaborated with Eduardo Ibargüengoitia and Juan Antonio Tonda Magallón. They handled the structural design. The donated land lacked space for an atrium. However the church’s prominent location made it visible from the busy highway.
The square nave is covered by four symmetrical hyperbolic paraboloid cloaks. These rounded corners offer cover for about 450 seats. Pozo also designed the presbytery the altar and the choir area. Fray Gabriel Chávez de la Mora designed many aspects of the church interior.
José Reyes Meza created four massive stained-glass windows in José de las Peñas’ workshop. Three abstract windows are based on a stylized pentagram of a Benedictine chant. The fourth behind the altar depicts the Virgin Mary with the twelve apostles. Pozo convinced Reyes a figurative painter to complete this project.
Santa María de los Apóstoles is also known for its connection to brides. The Parque de las Novias is nearby. Brides and brides-to-be often use the park as a backdrop for photos. The park is named in their honor.
The central arrangement of the presbytery reflects reforms from the Second Vatican Council. Parish services and living spaces adapt to the land’s limits. They follow the church’s profile and create an inner courtyard. This design allows light and ventilation for both sections.
Reyes Meza’s stained-glass windows are made from pre-cast concrete slabs. Crystals of various sizes colors and tones are embedded within. The central section features a stylized image of the Virgin Mary the temple’s patron. She is flanked by the twelve Apostles. Lateral stained-glass windows display ascending and descending notes of a Gregorian chant. Santa María de los Apóstoles stands as a testament to architectural innovation and artistic collaboration. Its design and history offer a unique cultural experience in Mexico City.