Iglesia de San Hipolito, Mexico City

The San Hipolito Church stands near the northwest corner of the Alameda in Avenida Hidalgo, Mexico City. The church was built to commemorate the conquest of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish.

On the 13th of August 1521, San Hipolito’s Day in the Christian Calendar, the Spanish overcame the Aztecs at the spot where the Church was built. The Spanish suffered heavy casualties and the chapel was built as a monument for those killed in the battle. The church was dedicated to San Hipolito who also became the patron saint of Mexico city.

The building was completed in 1739 and has a Baroque architectural style with Moorish interiors. The two towers located in front of the church have a unique 45 degree angle. The main bell tower has a Moorish design. The floor plan of the building is a Latin cross with the central dome rising at the crossing point. The church was built with uncoated Tezontle volcanic rock.

The building is also called the church of St. Jude. Locals worship the image of St. Jude Thaddeus located within the church for help with financial and employment related problems. Special masses are held on the 28th of every month in his honor and the main festival of San Judas Tadeo is celebrated on the 28th of October.