HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

Toluca is one of the cities with the richest architecture in central Mexico. As you walk along the streets you?ll find countless buildings built between the 17^th and 19^th centuries. These edifices allow you to appreciate the finer details of this city?s old colonial architecture, while the newer buildings give Toluca a more contemporary feel.

Catedral. Located at Av. Independencia and Nicolas Bravo, in downtown Toluca. This cathedral was built on top of the ruins of an old 17^th-century Franciscan convent. It features three naves adorned with barqoue-style altarpieces and has various neoclassical details. Open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 to 7:00.

Templo del Carmen. Located on the corner of Benito Juarez and Santos Degollado, in downtown Toluca. Built in the 18^th century, this building has an austere facade ornamented with coats of arms of the Carmelita order. The interior houses the Bellas Artes Museum, which has an extensive collection of colonial and contemporary paintings. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00.

Portales. Located in Toluca?s downtown area. These buildings? arches, which were built in the 19^th century, have become an important city symbol.

Templo de la Merced.  Located on the corner of Melchor Ocampo and Jose Maria Morelos, in downtown Toluca. This baroque-style church was constructed in the 17^th century. Open daily from 9:00 to 7:00.