![]() In the 1860s, Emperor Maximilian I expelled all merchants from the area however, from the latter half of the 19th century to the early 20th, it was once again filled with market activity. Throughout much of the 17th century, the plaza was overrun with market stalls. The historic spot that we see today started to take shape in the post-colonization period, thanks to the architectural efforts of Alonso García Bravo, a Spanish mercenary who took part in the Conquest of Mexico and was also a master builder and urban planner. The grand square was established circa the 14th century AD and once served as a ceremonial hub of the Aztec city, Tenochtitlán it was also a major marketplace. While the plinth is long gone now, the name stuck. This nickname was adopted in the 19th century and refers to the monument intended to be erected in the plaza, but never materialized (apart from its plinth). Previously called Arms Square (Plaza de Armas) or Main Square (Plaza Principal), it is nowadays more commonly referred to as El Zócalo, which means "the plinth". The central square of the Mexican capital is also one of the largest public squares in the world, measuring 57,600 m2 and capable of holding up to 100,000 people at once! To explore these and other top attractions in the ancient yet perpetually vibrant historic heart of the Mexican capital, take this self-guided walking tour!įormally known as Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución), this is one of Mexico City's most historically and culturally intriguing destinations. The Latin-American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana) is a modern addition to the cityscape and one of the best-known skyscrapers in Latin America completed in 1956. It is also home to the majestic Palace of Iturbide, the former residence of the country's first emperor. ![]() This street accommodates a multitude of street vendors and taco restaurants (taquerías) coexisting harmoniously with high-end establishments. The bustling thoroughfare Madero Street (Calle Madero), cutting through the city center, is yet another attraction. Here, you will also find the iconic art nouveau Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) and the Great Temple (Templo Mayor) archaeological site. Other key local landmarks include the Baroque-style Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) and the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), the seat of the country's president, adorned with Diego Rivera's murals depicting pre-Hispanic life and the history of the Mexican nation after the Conquest. ![]() From here, the historic center extends for several blocks in all directions, reaching as far as Alameda Central Park in the west. Apart from being the city's main square, it is also the largest square in Latin America. This area is centered around the massive Zócalo plaza, formally known as Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución). The vast majority of historic sites, such as a large number of museums, are found in the central part of the city – a World Heritage Site since 1987. Nowadays, the historic heart of Mexico City (Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México) still roughly correlates with the ancient Tenochtitlan, revealing pre-Colombian heritage embedded in the street grid, locations' names, and architecture. ![]() This wealth is now manifested in the multiple mansions, such as the House of Tiles (Casa de Azulejos), abounding in the downtown area. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the conquistadors accumulated great fortunes, mostly through mining and commerce. Whilst at it, they retained the original layout of the city pretty much intact. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a rattlesnake.Īfter their Conquest, in the early 1500s, the Spaniards started to build Mexico City on the ruins of the conquered Tenochtitlan, often using for their construction the stones from the fallen Mexica temples. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |