Santa María la Redonda, Santa María Cuepopan

The Church of Santa María la Redonda is one of the most recognized temples in the Historic Center area. Its architecture includes an almost circular apse, an uncommon feature that has made it an example of novohispanic baroque.

The temple is located in the old neighborhood of Santa María, which was part of Cuepopan, that means “next to the road.” During the Spanish colonial period, this area served as one of the first defensive lines against possible invaders arriving via the Mexico-Tacuba road.

Construction began in 1524 as a chapel intended for the indigenous population, dedicated by the Franciscans to the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). By the late 16th century, this chapel already had a school for indigenous people and, years later, in 1677 its construction was completed. Between 1731 and 1735 it was rebuilt in the Baroque style it still preserves today.

Before entering, you will find a small plaza and an atrium with trees. On Sundays, Masses are often accompanied by mariachi music because of the church’s proximity to Plaza Garibaldi, known for its large concentration of this type of musicians.

This church has a popular legend associated with the Virgin of the Assumption. According to the story, the head and hands of the statue were brought from Spain by the priest Rodrigo de Sequera, who entrusted them to the parish priest. The later, in turn, entrusted them to an indigenous young woman who offered to complete the sculpture. The legend says that when she arrived home she found three laborers seeking work and allowed them to make the figure. Three days later, the image was finished, but the men were never seen again. Sometime later the original sculpture disappeared from the main altar and was replaced by a plaster figure. Years later it was discovered that the original image had appeared in the church of Candelaria de los Patos. An investigation revealed that the Virgin had been moved from the church of San Jeronimito after its roof collapsed.

Today Santa María la Redonda continues to be an important site in Mexico City’s religious heritage and a place that preserves part of the history of the old neighborhood of Cuepopan.

*IMPORTANT: Remember that, since this is a place of religious worship, during your visit you should be respectful and follow the rules and guidelines of the premises.