This magnificent church is a precious relic of Latin American colonial architecture and is also the largest Catholic church in the region. Built over three centuries, the church incorporates elements of various architectural styles, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical. Every Sunday, the church holds numerous baptismal ceremonies, attracting many parents with their children to attend.
Zócalo is the center of Mexico City, and its name comes from a large independent monument that was planned but only the base was completed. It is one of the largest squares in the world, with a north-south width of 220 meters and an east-west length of 240 meters. On the eastern side of the square is the National Palace, on the north side is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, on the south side is the City Hall, and on the west side is the Portal de Mercaderes street, with jewelry stores and luxury hotels on both sides, making it a must-visit place for visiting Mexico City.
Zócalo Square is usually the gathering place for various activities and parades. There are many artists wearing traditional Indian costumes performing ancient witchcraft dances around the square. The flag-raising ceremony is held in the center of the square every morning and evening, which attracts many people to gather and watch. For tourists, this is one of the ideal starting points to explore Mexico City.
In the belief of the Aztecs, this temple was the center of the spiritual world. However, it was destroyed by the invasion of Spanish colonizers in 1521 and now can only be seen as ruins. Inside, a museum has been established to display the archaeological remains, showcasing the ancient charm of Aztec civilization.
Teotihuacan Site, also known as "City of the Gods," is a former thriving ancient Indian civilization located 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. The most notable feature of this site is the Sun Pyramid. This pyramid is the world's third-largest pyramid, surpassed only by the Khufu Pyramid in Egypt and the Pyramid of Cholula. It is said that this pyramid was built to worship the sun god and is divided into five layers, with 243 steps to reach the top. From the top of the pyramid, there are ruins and buildings that surround it, as if traveling back in time to the prosperous era nearly two thousand years ago. Unlike the pyramids in ancient Egypt, this pyramid is a sacred altar for Indian worship.
Every afternoon, the sunset shines on the pyramid and the scenery is particularly beautiful. The locals say that standing here, one can feel the infinite power. In addition, according to legend, making a wish here may also come true. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a traveler seeking a mysterious experience, the Teotihuacan Site and the Sun Pyramid are worth visiting.
The Moon Pyramid is located at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan, smaller than the Sun Pyramid but more elegant. It has over 200 steps with varying angles, and exquisite construction. To the south is a palace called the Butterfly Palace, which is the residence of the religious elite and aristocrats, and the most magnificent place in the entire city. The palace's columns are decorated with exquisitely crafted butterfly wings and bird-shaped patterns, still vibrant in color to this day. Below the palace lies the Seashell Temple adorned with beautiful feathers. The underground drainage system of this ancient monument is very complex. Built around 300 AD, it is almost as high as the Sun Pyramid because it was built on a higher ground.
In front of the Moon Pyramid is a beautiful Moon Plaza composed of 12 temple platforms.
Angel Independence Monument
One of the symbols of Mexico City, the Angel of Independence (also known as the Monumento a la Independencia), is located on a square on Reforma Avenue. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico's independence and is named after the gilt bronze statue of a victorious woman with outstretched wings atop the monument. During the Beijing Olympics, a model of the statue was exhibited in Beijing. The statue of the angel is 6.7 meters high and weighs 7 tons. Her right hand holds a laurel wreath, and her left hand holds a chain, symbolizing the end of 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
The establishment of the Mexican Museum of Anthropology began with the discovery and preservation of the "Sun Stone," a revered object of the Aztecs. In 1520, the Spanish buried the object underground while ransacking the capital city of the Aztecs. It was rediscovered in 1790 and excavated as a precious historical and cultural artifact for preservation and study, which led to the activities of the Mexican Museum. The museum's collections are considered priceless, and many well-known artifacts can be seen here. The museum is renowned worldwide.
This magnificent marble building is a symbol of Mexican culture and art, and is also recognized as one of the finest concert halls in the world. It was built in 1905 and took 30 years to complete. It not only features the works of many famous Mexican artists, but also hosts various music, theater, dance performances, and exhibitions. In addition, the National Museum of Architecture (Museo Nacional de Arquitectura) on the 4th floor requires an additional ticket for entry.
