With foundations as an Aztec settlement in the 14th century, Mexico City is much more than what meets the eye. Despite the occasional rough and tough news story, the city is largely pleasant to peruse. A place where the past and the present perch side by side, Mexico City radiates from its historic colonial heart, pumping into the city air an energy that is both hip and classic.
Most travelers begin a trip through Mexico City in Centro Histórico and Zócalo. Zócalo functions as the city’s political, geographical and religious center. Many of Mexico City’s celebrations and performances are carried out here. Also within the Centro Histórico visitors will find Catedral Metropolitana. Constructed in 1573, the Catedral was not officially completed until 1813. Standing in baroque fashion, it remains the largest and oldest cathedral in all of Latin America. The Centro Histórico of Mexico City is also home to splashes of ancient history. The ruins of Tempo Mayor of Aztec Tenochtitlán and Palacio Nacional prove that fact. Palacio Nacional grew up on the site of a former Aztec palace.
The ruins continue in the heart of the city at Templo Mayor. Considered one of the best attractions in Mexico City, Templo Mayon was first built by the Aztecs in 1375. One on top of the other, a new temple would be constructed here every 52 years. Even Mexico City’s main gathering place delights in a rich history. Alameda Central was first the home of the Aztec marketplace. Throughout the Spanish Inquisition, it was used as a place for executions. Today, it has a much more innocent feel, functioning as the city’s largest park and meeting point. Families bring their picnics while taking the in the open-air markets going on throughout Alameda Central.
Mexico City is home to a number of palaces, all with differing functions today. Palacio Nacional serves as the office to the President of Mexico along with the National Archives and Federal Treasure. Taking up the entire eastern side of Zócalo, the palace is also a thing of artistic beauty. Within, murals by Diego Rivera cloud the walls. Palacio de Bellas Artes maintains two functions in Mexico City, museum and theater. Also holding works by Diego Rivera, the palace boasts a collection of old and contemporary paintings, handicrafts and sculptures. Post museum visit, travelers can take in an opera or orchestral concert.
Another one of the city’s most notable museums falls at the feet of Museo Nacional de Antropologia. The fine museum contains representations of Mesoamerican cultures. It is known for holding the famous Aztec sun stones along with giant stone Olmec heads from Tabasco. For even more art and history, head to Castillo de Chapultepec. Constructed in 1785 for Spanish viceroys, the castle houses hundreds of paintings, murals, furniture and ceramics. The site also details Mexican history, from Aztec days to present times.
Take a stroll and your wallet up Paseo de la Reform. Mexico City’s main boulevard lines in shops, hotels, restaurants and modern skyscrapers. The city’s most prestigious street makes for a sightseeing lesson as well. Several famed monuments, statues and fountains scatter about the area. After strolling and shopping, visitors may want to take in all of Mexico City from above. Torre Latino is hard to miss as the city’s landmark skyscraper. On the 44th floor, visitors can gaze at a 2,422-meter above sea level view.
From its fashionable tree studded avenues to the city’s emerging gastronomic and art scene, Mexico City is not what you might expect. More handsome than gruesome these days, the city presents history under every surface. Take a peek. It’s there.
