Santa Lucía Tomatlan

Santa Lucía Tomatlan is a small neighborhood and original settlement in Azcapotzalco. Centered around a 17th-century chapel, the Nahuatl name means “place of abundant tomatoes.” Once a small hermitage, it’s believed to have been built by the Dominicans.

Originally along the road to Naucalpan in the west, Tomatlan is believed to have been settled during the period of Teotihuacan and may have had some relation with those people. This is said to be true of San Miguel Amantla and Santiago Ahuizotla also.

Today the small historic chapel is flanked by a much more modern church to the north. A newer church had been built in the 19th century, but that was replaced by the one we see today. The enormous church cemetery still takes up the entire west side of the block.

The historic chapel is best-loved for having no bell tower. Instead the cornice at the top still holds a couple of bells within three distinctive arches. Inside, a Neoclassical stone altarpiece dates from the late 19th century. Notice the Catalan vault, supported by wooden beams beams. Images inside include paintings of the Virgin of Guadalupe, San Miguel Archangel, Santa Lucia, and crucified Christ.

Just to the north is the Santa Lucía Market. It makes an excellent stop for lunch if you happen to be out wandering from the Parque Bicentenario. Santa Lucía Tomatlan is just north from the west side of the park.