Background
Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital, Mexico City holds five Aztec temples whose ruins have been identified, the largest cathedral on the continent and fine 19th- and 20th-century public buildings such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The historic centre covers more than 9,000 buildings, about a quarter of them of historic importance.
Xochimilco lies 28 km to the south. UNESCO says its network of canals and artificial islands testifies to the efforts of the Aztec people to build a habitat in the middle of an unfavourable environment, and that its structures from the 16th century and the colonial period survive exceptionally well.
- c. 1325The Aztecs found Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco
- 1521The Spanish destroy the Aztec capital and begin building on its ruins
- 16th c.The cathedral and the colonial city rise over the old centre
- 1978Electrical workers find the Templo Mayor by accident
- 1987Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The ZócaloOne of the largest squares in the world, a gathering place since Aztec times; the flag is lowered each day at 18:00.
- 2Metropolitan CathedralThe largest cathedral on the continent, on the north side of the square.
- 3Templo MayorThe main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan, uncovered beside the cathedral; closed Mondays.
- 4Palacio de Bellas ArtesThe Art Nouveau palace of arts, with Diego Rivera's murals nearby in the National Palace.
- 5XochimilcoPainted trajinera boats on the Aztec canals, 28 km south.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
The Zócalo and the Aztec City
From the GoGo Mexico City guide · Open the Mexico City Guide ›
- 09:30Metropolitan Cathedral1 hrThe largest cathedral on the continent.
- 10:45Templo Mayor90 minThe Aztec temple beneath the city.
- 13:00Diego Rivera Murals at the National Palace1 hrThe history of Mexico in paint.
- 14:30Palacio de Bellas Artes1 hrThe Art Nouveau palace of arts.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May, Oct–Mar. Rainy season Jun–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
