Santa Maria Aztahuacan Church: A Legacy of Faith and Architecture in Iztapalapa
The historic temple standing at the center of Santa Maria Aztahuacan Church grounds is far more than just a landmark; it is the spiritual heartbeat of the community. Dedicated to the veneration and Glory of God, this sacred space serves as the epicenter for our rich religious traditions and stands as a priceless treasure of our local history.
Franciscan Origins and Historical Evolution
Originally built in the 16th century by the Franciscan order, the earliest foundation of the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Church area acts as a true time capsule, transporting visitors back to the dawn of Christianity in the Valley of Mexico. The striking temple visible today dates back to the 18th century. Together with the neighboring parish house, it continues to watch over and protect the deep faith and identity of our people.
Transformations, Earthquakes, and Conservation Challenges
Over the centuries, the structure has bravely faced countless challenges and physical transformations. In 1968, the community made the difficult decision to demolish a heavily damaged annex chapel while launching intense efforts to reinforce the main bell tower.
Despite structural fractures in the ancient vault, this sacred site remains an unyielding pillar for the community, opening its doors during days of immense cultural and spiritual significance. The Santa Maria Aztahuacan Church structure has also weathered modern trials; it underwent extensive structural reinforcements in 2010 to restore its original vault, though works were paused in 2011. A few years later, the historic building suffered new damages during the severe 2017 earthquake, proving once again the vital importance of ongoing preservation.
The Commemorative Plaque: Defending the Ejido
Inside the temple, a historic commemorative plaque installed in 1968 protects a fascinating legal memory. It references a 19th-century presidential decree signed during the government of Benito Juárez, which officially protected the town’s communal lands (ejidos) from being seized under the Disestablishment Laws (Ley de Desamortización).
The official stone inscription preserves the original historic text in Spanish:
SECRETARIA DE ESTADO Y DEL DESPACHO DE HACIENDA Y CREDITO PUBLICO SECCION 7A MESA 2A EN EL OCURSO QUE EN 23 DE NOVIEMBRE ULTIMO ELEVARON UDES. A ESTE MINISTERIO PIDIENDO QUE SE DECLARE QUE NO ES ADJUDICABLE EL TERRENO LLAMADO “CALZADILLA”, UBICADO EN EL PUEBLO DE SANTA MARIA HAZTAHUACAN DEL DISTRITO DE XOCHIMILCO, EL C. PRESIDENTE DE LA REPUBLICA HA TENIDO A BIEN ACORDAD SE DIGA A UDES. QUE POR ESTAR COMPROBADO EN ESTA SRIA. QUE DEL TERRENO DE QUE SE TRATA PERTENECE A LOS EGIDOS DEL MISMO PUEBLO, SE HALLA ESCEPTUADO, DE LA DESAMORTIZACION CON ARREGLO A LA PARTE FINAL DEL ART. 89 DE LA LEY DEL 25 DE JUNIO DE 1856. INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD, MEXICO, DICIEMBRE, 6 DE 1968= ROMERO= C.C BENITO SERRANO Y JUAN CONSTANTINO PRESENTE
Timeline of Structural Interventions:
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2010: A specialized restoration plan was launched to recover the original vault of the Santa Maria Aztahuacan Church main nave by injecting structural cracks. Concrete frames were added to the facade, reinforced concrete beams were placed on the side walls, and a new parallel foundation was built. Additionally, the area near the parish house was adapted to install public restrooms. The works were officially suspended in 2011.
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1981 (Atrium Wall): A protective iron fence was integrated into the inverted arches of the main atrium wall.
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1969: Major conservation works stabilized the side walls, consolidated cracks in the vaults, replaced historical plaster finishes, and waterproofed the rooftops.
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1968: Demolition of the severely damaged annex chapel (which had been built much later than the 18th-century original). The structural wall affected by the demolition was completely rebuilt, and the main tower’s foundations were thoroughly consolidated.
Source: Archaeological, Historical, Intangible, and Natural Heritage of Iztapalapa. UAM-Iztapalapa. pp. 71-74.
