San Lorenzo Xochimanca facts for kids
San Lorenzo Xochimanca was an important place in what is now Mexico City. Its name comes from the Náhuatl language, spoken by the Aztec people. Xochimanca means "place where flowers are offered."
This area was once a village before the Spanish arrived (a pre-Hispanic village). Later, it became a large farm or estate called a hacienda. Today, you can find its history in the Colonia del Valle area of Mexico City.
The San Lorenzo Chapel
The San Lorenzo Chapel, also known as the Templo de San Lorenzo Xochimanca or Templo de San Lorenzo Mártir, is a very old church. It was built way back in the 16th century, which means the 1500s!
Chapel Construction and Style
This chapel is still standing strong today. It was built using sturdy materials like brick and volcanic stone. The bell tower, where the bells hang, has a special design called "Mixcoac" style. It's made with bricks that have a cool copper color.
A National Monument
Because of its long history and unique style, the San Lorenzo Chapel was declared a National Monument of Mexico in the 1930s. This means it's a very important building that is protected by the government. For many years, a cemetery was located at the base of the chapel, operating until the early 1900s.
