Mexico City, one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. It was built on the site of an ancient Aztec settlement, whose legends of wealth and cruelty still live on in folklore.
The city’s modern population has partially absorbed the culture of this ancient tribe, but the Spanish colonizers, who arrived in the 16th century and converted the locals to Christianity, had a far greater influence on Mexico City.
The city’s national flavor is complemented by the melancholy melodies of mariachis, spicy cuisine, tequila, and a variety of traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the Day of the Dead celebration in early November.
Entertainment and Attractions
Mexico City’s most significant historical sites include the vast Zocalo, the main cathedral founded by Hernán Cortés in the 16th century, and the majestic Baroque Presidential Palace, adorned with stunning frescoes by Diego Rivera. All these attractions are located nearby, in the heart of the Mexican capital.
The Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the main pilgrimage center in Mexico. Believers flock here to venerate the miraculous icon of the saint. The majestic Palace of Fine Arts, home to the opera stage, attracts connoisseurs of Art Nouveau and Beaux-Arts architecture. And the Chapultepec Palace, located on the hill of the same name in a park that was once the imperial residence, will appeal to neoclassical enthusiasts.
The Templo Mayor archaeological zone preserves the secrets of the ancient Aztec civilization and the great city of Tenochtitlan, now lost to history. The ruins once held the pyramid-temples of Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli, powerful Native American gods who accepted bloody human sacrifices.
Among the modern landmarks, the Azteca football stadium, built in the 1960s, is worth noting. It has repeatedly hosted major matches and concerts featuring world-famous stars.
The National Museum of Anthropology boasts a unique collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the Sun Stone, giant Olmec heads, and finds from excavations at Palenque and Chichen Itza. Here, visitors are introduced to the history of the Maya, Aztecs, Toltecs, and northern Native American tribes.
