Templo de San Cristóbal ("Church of St. Christopher")
An act of kindness rendered in stone.
4 Norte and 6 Oriente

In 1604 construction began on a children's hospital, sponsored by Cristóbal de Rivera. Why did this man have this building constructed? Let's turn to what chronicler Miguel de Alcalá wrote on the matter: "on his way home one night [Cristóbal de Rivera] saw some dogs eating a baby and saddened by this, he created the foundation with an endowment of 44,000 pesos, and an annual budget of 2,200 pesos, with which to look after said children".

The "Hospital for Foundling Children" carried out this task in a two-storey building that still exists next to the church and whose facade has a niche with a statue of St. Christopher. The Church now known as "San Cristóbal" (St Christopher), but originally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, started construction around 1676.

Its wonderful stone facade is one of the most beautiful baroque examples in Mexico. The original towers were destroyed in 1856 during the battles between liberals and conservatives, and were rebuilt in 1954, thanks to a picture that showed their original form.

Its interior is a clear example of the high level that the City of Puebla had reached in baroque decoration, starting with the polychrome plasterwork, which often depicts angels and saints. This building naturally includes the use of excellent Puebla talavera ceramics, on the moldings as well as on the outside of the dome.

Don't miss the imposing statue of St Christopher, made in Puebla of painted wood, which is located in the entrance of this majestic church!