With more than 20 million inhabitants that reside within the area, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. The roots of the massive city go to 1325, the year that Mexico City, the Aztec capital city Tenochtitlan, was established. The city was destroyed in 1521, by Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes. In its place, the city was rebuilt to serve as the capital city of the Viceroyalty of New Spain and later as the capital city of Mexico.
Mexico City provides a chance to find out more about the Aztecs which is one of the world’s most famous ancient civilizations, and also the Spanish conquerors. The majority of the colonial architecture remains in the midst of contemporary architectural styles. It also provides visitors the chance to view the work that were created by Diego Rivera, one of the greatest muralists of the world. Here’s a glimpse of the most famous tourist attractions that are in Mexico City listed by the owner of Pressure Washing SEO:
Basilica de Guadalupe
The Basilica de Guadalupe is the result of the Virgin Mary appearing in 1531 and in the form of a humble peasant who was asked to inform the bishop that to build a temple there to honor her. The bishop was incredulous and requested proof that the man had witnessed the Virgin. In response, he placed flowers under his cloak. when he opened the cloak, the roses, which contained images of Mary, fell from the cloak. The “New” Basilica de Guadalupe was constructed from 1974 to 1976. Created by Pedro Ramirez Vasquez who also created his work on the National Museum of Anthropology. The vast plaza that is at the front of the church has the capacity for 50,000 people to worship as well as a lot of visitors each year on the 12th of December to commemorate Guadalupe’s feast day, Virgin of Guadalupe’s celebration day.
Museo Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo might be the wife of a well-known Mexican artist Diego Rivera, but she was an artist of renown independently. Her birthplace, and where she passed away, was at the Casa Azul (Blue House) where she spent the majority of her life. The year 1968 was the time that Rivera made the Casa Azul an art museum named in her honor. The museum focuses on their work in addition to others folk art artists and artifacts from the pre-Spanish period and other memorabilia related to the couple. The museum is among the top frequented museum in Coyacan the city where it is situated, and it is the most frequent tourist attractions located in Mexico City.
Palacio Nacional
Palacio Nacional (National Palais) is where the president of Mexico is located. However, the president isn’t the only person who has ruled over a nation in Mexico. A large portion of the palace is constructed from the materials that were used to build the palace of the Aztec leader Montezuma II. The palace covers an entire area on the Plaza of the Constitucion. The palace houses an alarm bell that summoned troops into action during the War for Mexican Independence. It’s rung every September 15 in celebration of the day. The lavish palace also houses murals created by Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico from pre-Columbian times up to the time of the Mexican Revolution. Visits conducted in English are completely free.
Zocalo
In the middle of the historical center located in the historic center Zocalo (or Plaza of the Constitucion) is among the biggest squares in the world. It is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral to the north as well as the National Palace to the east and numerous other historic structures. A massive Mexican flag is affixed to the square’s center that is ceremonially lifted and lowered every day. The square is the place to gather for Mexicans since Aztec time and is still a place where many events are held there such as concerts, demonstrations, and other gatherings.
Templo Mayor
The Templo Mayor was an Aztec temple located in Tenochtitlan. The temple was built throughout the years to become the primary place of worship. The ritual of offering sacrifices to the gods of war and rain were held in this temple. In 1521, the temple went up in flames by Spanish conquistadors. Then, they immediately built the Cathedral over it, though not completely. The temple, made up of a massive stone structure, was lost until its discovery in 1978. Visitors today can view some of the remnants from earlier temples which were discovered beneath the original temple as they walk through the excavation site.
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
The Museo de Antropologia showcases the Mexican people’s history and is dedicated to how the indigenous civilizations lived prior to when they were incorporated by Spanish at the end of the 16th century, and the way their descendants live in the present. The museum’s building is more modern in design, inside are antique artifacts made use of many centuries back. The most famous of these can be found in that of the Aztec Calendar Stone. It wasn’t actually utilized as a calendar however it does include 20-day numbers and four sun eras which preceded the present 5th sun.
Catedral Metropolitana
“Awesome” immediately comes to mind when you look at Catedral Metropolitana, or Metropolitan Cathedral which is the biggest and most prestigious Cathedral located in the New World. The cathedral is situated at Plaza Zocala, the 16th century cathedral is breathtaking when lit in the night. Stones from Aztec’s Templo Mayor were used to construct a church, which preceded the cathedral at this location. This cathedral which embodies different architectural styles, has an impressive collection of artifacts and paintings that date back to the colonial period.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, also known as the Palace of Fine Arts, is a lavish white structure that serves as the center of culture in Mexico City and Mexico. Built on the site of an old convent, and also one of the original National Theatre of Mexico, its exterior is in neoclassical and art-deco style as well as the interior. It’s most well-known for its murals created by famous Mexican artists like Siquieros or Diego Rivera. It is also a performing arts center which hosts shows from The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and other groups.