HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

 

Mexico City?s Historic Center is the oldest part of the capital and it has many architectural treasures that are appreciated in Mexico and throughout the world. As you walk around the downtown area, you?ll find excellent examples of classical and colonial architecture. Many of the buildings are shrouded in magic and legend and the area has such an impressive architectural offering that the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Among the most important structures are:

 

Palacio Nacional ? Built on top of the houses of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma, this building lies in front of the Zocalo (Mexico City?s main square). Inside, you can marvel at the spectacular murals of renowned artist Diego Rivera, which chronicle the history of Mexico.

 

Catedral Metropolitana (The Metropolitan Cathedral) ? Located next to the Palacio Nacional in the Zocalo, this important work is Latin America?s largest religious structure. It brings together the artistic grandeur of a Viceregal construction with the religious fervor of Catholicism.

 

Palacio de Mineria ? Located on Tacuba Street in the Historic Center. This neoclassical- and Baroque-style building hosts the International Book Fair, an annual event that takes place in February and March.

 

Edificio de Correos (Post Office) ? Located on the corners of Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas and Tacuba, this is one of Mexico City?s most beautiful and elegant buildings. Its style reminds one of the grand palaces of Venice.

 

Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts) ? Located next to the Alameda Central Park on the corners of Avenida Juarez and Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas. This structure is an eclectic blend of art nouveau and art deco styles, and it is ornamented with impressive sculptures. The building has one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.

 

Templo de la Profesa ? Located on Francisco I. Madero Street in the Historic Center. This building is one of the best examples of the New Spain Baroque style. On display inside is a wonderful collection of religious paintings from the Colonial era.

 

Casa de los Azulejos ? Located on Francisco I. Madero in the Historic Center. This building?s famous façade is covered with thousands of multicolored tiles made in the state of Puebla. Inside is a popular restaurant.

 

Plaza de Santo Domingo ? Located north of the Zocalo on Republica de Brazil Street. This is a group of buildings that includes the Santo Domingo church, which is where the plaza gets its name. The other structures are the Antigua Aduana (an old customs building) and the Palacio de la Inquisicion (The Palace of the Inquisition), which once housed a school of medicine.