Tucked away in the bustling heart of Mexico City is the Hospital de Jesus, an institution with a history as rich as the city itself. Founded by the notorious Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, this unassuming medical center has quietly operated for over five centuries, withstanding the test of time and witnessing the ebb and flow of history.
The Hospital de Jesus, established in 1524 by Cortés, claims the title of the oldest continuously operating hospital in the Americas. Despite its faded yellow facade, this sprawling complex covers most of a city block and obscures its vast history within stone walls that hint at tales from the era of Spanish conquest.
Originally, the hospital served to treat Cortés and his Spanish compatriots. However, as epidemics threatened the local labor force, its services expanded to include the indigenous population. This shift not only ensured the health of the workforce essential to the Spanish settlers but also marked the beginning of a hospital open to all.
Visitors today step through street-level entrances into a world where history and modern medicine intertwine. Stone arches and lush patios offer a moment of reflection in the midst of medical prowess.
Dr. Pedro Álvarez Sánchez, a figure synonymous with the hospital for decades, speaks fondly of its enduring legacy: “For 500 years, the hospital has never closed its doors.” His words echo through halls once walked by both Spanish conquerors and Aztec leaders.
Cortés’ historical meeting with Aztec emperor Moctezuma is literally embedded in the hospital’s walls, depicted in a tile mural that bridges the gap between past and present. Meanwhile, Cortés himself is interred in a nearby church, underscoring the intertwined destinies of conqueror and country.
The architectural integrity of the hospital is preserved thanks to a board of trustees established in the 16th century. “We want to continue the tradition of care the hospital has had for years,” remarks Dr. Octaviano Rosalez Serafín, emphasizing the commitment to affordable healthcare.
Inside, nursing students and medical staff bring vitality to the ancient halls, with some areas still reflecting the architectural style of the 16th century. The design, with its ample patios and strategic layout, originally catered to both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of its patients.
Although the hospital didn’t always serve everyone, it eventually opened its doors broadly, as noted by anthropologist Sandra Elena Guevara Flores. She highlights how early Spanish doctors blended Indigenous medicinal practices with their own, a legacy of cultural fusion that endures.
The hospital’s presence in films and television has piqued curiosity throughout Mexico, with patients like Celia Chávez Escamilla appreciating its affordability and continuity: “Here they take good care of us,” she praises, reflecting on her own experiences.
Historian Hugo Antonio Arciniega Ávila describes the hospital’s architecture as a fascinating blend of eras, with its preservation providing an invaluable glimpse into colonial past rooted firmly in the 21st century.
Why do the staff, like Álvarez, continue to devote their lives to this historical institution? Simply put, it’s love. “I love it,” Álvarez states with unwavering conviction, highlighting a dedication as steadfast as the hospital itself.
The Hospital de Jesus stands as a monument to history and medicine, its endurance a testament to the coexistence of the past and present. As one walks through its storied halls, the hospital whispers tales of conquest, culture, and healing, a beacon of continuity in a rapidly changing world.
Source: Apnews
