Landmark Buildings, Popular Attractions
Mexico City, Mexico DF, Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico city, the oldest (670 years) and the highest (7,349 ft, 2.2 km) city on the North American continent, it is also the most populated one in the world with 24 million inhabitants. A cosmopolitan megapolis of contrasts, Mexico's capital is a place with rich history, ancient sites, cultural treasures, beautiful parks, chaotic traffic, polluted air and sprawling slums. The colourful and vibrant city offers a complex and unique blend of possibilities.
Once the center of the Aztec civilization, Mexico City is surrounded by two volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, and the ancient pyramid complex of Teotihuacán. Nowadays, Mexico City is the country's cosmopolitan cultural and business hub, offering endless options to its worldwide visitors.
Landmark Attractions
Museo Nacional de Antropología
- The greatest museum in the country and one of the finest museum of its kind in the world.
Palacio Nacional
- Home of the offices of the President of Mexico, the National Archives, the Federal Treasury and the impressive murals by Diego Rivera.
Zócalo
- The historic centre of Mexico City.
Teotihuacán
- Situated some 50 km (31 mi) north east of the city centre, Teotihuacán was Mexico's biggest ancient city.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
- This beautiful white marble opera house was begun in 1904 by president Porfirio Díaz and finished in 1934. At present, the palace hosts international and national artists, including the Ballet Folklórico de México. Known for its architecture, this landmark of art nouveau and neoclassical styles includes paintings by some famous Mexican artists, such as Rufino Tamayo and the muralists Orozco, Rivera and Siqueros and a Tiffany stained glass representing the two volcanoes around Mexico City. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission: 2 USD.
Catedral
-The largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America, its construction began in 1573 lasting three centuries. Located at the north side of the Zócalo, Mexico City's cathedral combines a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Inside, there are 14 chapels and 5 altars of churrigueresque style, including numerous colorful statues, paintings and altarpieces of the saints and Christ.
Templo Mayor
- The Temple first begun in 1375 was enlarged serveral times, in order to show the increasing political dominance of the Aztec. Dedicated to the Aztec cult of death, each rebuilding was followed by the sacrifice of captives from rival tribes to the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. It is also believed the Templo Mayor is located on the exact spot where the Aztecs saw the eagle with a snake in its beak perching on a cactus -the symbol of Mexico. According to Aztecs believes, this place was the centre of the universe. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. Admission: 2 USD, free on Sunday.
Castillo de Chapultepec
- Located on Cerro del Chapulín (Grasshopper Hill), the Castillo was originally a Mexica palace, where the Indians had one of their last battles against the Spaniards. Posteriorly, in 1785 part of the castle became a residence for the viceroys of New Spain. In 1843 the building was converted into a military academy. Few years later, in 1863, Emperor Maximilliam established his residence in the castle, remaining since then the private home for Mexico's president until 1940, when Lázaro Cárdenas converted it into the National Museum of History. The museum displays Mexican history works from the conquest to the revolution. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. Admission: 2 USD.
Mexico City Tours
Explore Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, with this panoramic tour. Travel by coach and boat to visit Mexico City's main attractions, including the colonial district of Coyoacan, the National Palace, Constitution Square and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, travel down the ancient Aztec-built Xochimilco Canals on a traditional boat.
Mexico Regional Landmarks
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