The original church of Sts. Cosmas & Damian was founded circa 1540 by the first bishop of Mexico City, Juan de Zumárraga, in the form of a chapel and hospital for non local indigenous. Hence the dedication to the 3rd century twin brother doctors from Arabia who became Christian martyrs. In 1593 the Observant Franciscans adopted the grounds as their parish, decades later (1662) dedicating it to Our Lady of Consolation. Shortly after (1672-75) the church was rebuilt in its present form and under its original name of SS Cosmas and Damian. | |