The Pyramids of Teotihuacan
The ancient city of Teotihuacan is the most visited of Mexico’s
archaeological sites and a must-see if you’re in Mexico City. The site is
impressive for its scale, both in the size of the Pyramid of the Sun (the
third largest pyramid in the world) and the majesty of the Calle de los Muertos (Street of the Dead) - originally 4km long and flanked by temples,
palaces and platforms. Look for amazingly well preserved murals in the
Palace of the Jaguars or the Palace of the Quetzal-butterfly and bold
sculptures in the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
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In and around the Zocalo
A visit to Mexico City would be incomplete without a look at the Zócalo,
the heart of the city since the Aztecs’ rule. At the time of Moctezuma I
this area was surrounded by palaces and temples, now it’s the second largest
public square in the world (after the Red Square in Moscow). It’s official
title is the Plaza de la Constitucion; the word ‘zocalo’ means base or
plinth and arose after a monument to Independence in the square was
constructed only to that stage – then the name stuck.
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Chapultepec Park and Castle
Chapultepec Park is a welcome green space in this colossal city and
includes a zoo and amusement park.
The Castle, on the hill by the entrance to the park, was the residence of
Emperor Maximilian during the French Intervention. Later it became the
traditional home of the president of the country, until Lazaro Cardenas
designated it as the National History Museum, as it is today.
In front of the castle is the six columned monument to the Ninos Heroes, six
young men who provided the last stand against American invaders in 1847.
Rather than surrendering, the six threw themselves off the castle ramparts
wrapped in the Mexican flag.
Museum of Anthropology
Even if you're not a museum fan, you shouldn't miss a visit to this
collection - it is regarded as one of the best in the world. Look for the
giant Olmec heads, the Atlantean-men statues from Tula and the Aztec
Calendar Stone from Tenochtitlan, amongst many fine and memorable exhibits.
Coyoacan
Originally Coyoacan was a town on the outskirts of Mexico City, but it has
now been swallowed up as a suburb. It makes a welcome diversion from the
city's broad boulevards - here the streets are narrow and often cobbled, and
there are numerous street side cafés and shady plazas. Whilst in Coyoacan,
visit two significant museums: the Museo Frida Kahlo and the house where
Trotsky lived and died.
Tula
The ancient city of Tula, capital of the Toltecs, achieved dominance
between AD950 and AD1150. According to Aztec legends it was a magnificent
place - palaces were decorated with gold, turquoise and jade. These riches
were earned as tributes from conquered territories, for the Toltecs were
great warriors. The greatest monuments at Tula today are the huge Atlantean
statues, standing nearly 5m high on top of the Piramide de Quetzalcoatl.
Tula can be visited on an organised excursion from Mexico City or by buses
leaving from the Terminal Norte..
Palacio de las Bellas Artes
The Palacio de las Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, is the unmissable
creation of white marble situated at the end of the Alameda. It was
commissioned by Porfirio Diaz during his 'dictatorship' and its extravagance
is typical of the architecture of the time. It was actually designed by an
Italian, Adamo Boan, and constructed from white marble imported from Italy,
though the sheer weight of the marble caused it to start to sink almost
immediately into the old lake-bed.
Don't miss Rivera's famous mural 'Man in Control of the Universe'
intended for the Rockefeller Centre in New York. The original, when unveiled
there, caused an uproar in the Rockefeller family because of its portrayal
of socialist values, and was torn down. Rivera recreated the version
displayed here at a later date.
Basilica de Guadalupe
About five miles north-east of the Zocalo is the Basilica de Nuestra Senora
de Guadalupe, home of the most venerated icon in Mexico. It is said that the
image of the Virgin was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, an ordinary
Indian who was chosen to request the bishop of Tlatelolco to build a church
on the hill. The famous cloak now hangs in a new basilica built alongside
the old, which is tilting severely as it sinks into the soft soil. Join the
queues to pass by the image.
Plaza de las Tres Culturas
The plaza is on the site of the Aztec city of Tlateloco. It takes its name
from the three distinct aspects of Mexican history seen here - the Aztec
ruins, the colonial church and the modern multi-storey buildings around.
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is situated near the entrance to Chapultepec Park,
and houses a collection which includes works by Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Orozco
and Siqueiros.
The Alameda
The only park in the centre of town, the Alameda was formally laid out in
the 16th century. Centuries before, it had been an Aztec marketplace. These
days it's an oasis of calm and greenery, popular with workers on lunch-break
and tourists alike.
Xochimilco
Just over 20 miles southeast of the zocalo is an area worlds apart from the
congested streets. Take a 'gondola' ride through the lakes and canals of
Xochimilco and remember that these waters were the origin of the city, and
that the 'floating gardens' of today use techniques pioneered by the Aztecs.
Ballet Folklorico
If you are in the city on a Sunday or Wednesday, don't miss the performance
of the Ballet Folklorico in the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.
This colorful and passionate display of regional dancing is a wonderful
introduction to Mexican culture. Tickets can be purchased at the
Mexican Ticketmaster websites.
Website:
www.ticketmaster.com.mx
Dining in Mexico City
Restaurants in Mexico City
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