Calvary Chapel, Tlaltenco

The Calvary Chapel in Tlaltenco is among the few places in these pages included for simple beauty. The plain fact is that very little is recorded of the chapel. Just off the Calle Calvario, it’s at the foot of a string of volcanos. Xaltepec being the closest, and Tetlalmanche is the biggest. These are north and northwest of the chapel. On a clear day, the view is impressive.

One can speculate that and older chapel here was adapted to meet the needs of the faithful of the Church of Mazatepec. That legend holds that Tlaltenco native, Fr. Juan B. Mancilla experienced a revelation asking him to carve a replica of an image of a Christ at Calvary figure. The miracle took places at the Templo del Señor del Calvario, in Mazatepec, some two hours drive away in Morelos.

The festivities surrounding the Mazatepec phenomena are some of the most important in Tlaltenco. And the annual religious procession finishes right here. Should your own procession lead you here, you’re in good company. The church is well regarded for a small comida corrida serving lunches most days at the side of the chapel.

The grounds are uneven, but lovingly landscaped. Patios and terraces are honed from the same black rock from which the chapel is built. The chapel is roughly a 15-minute walk from Metro Tlaltenco. The Calvary Chapel is even closer to the main church and town center at San Francisco Asis.