Mexico is an incredible country, full of rich history and heritage that can be seen through ancient civilisation relics, breathtaking natural landscapes and gorgeous colonial cities.
Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City serves as the final resting place of revolutionary heroes Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa and Venustiano Carranza. Additionally, Xochimilco boasts canals that were part of Tenochtitlan as well as chinampas or floating gardens reminiscent of Tenochtitlan itself.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, located in San Luis Potos State of Mexico and founded pre-Hispanic, is considered an iconic archaeological site in Mexico. Thanks to meticulous maintenance, conservation, and permanent protection measures implemented over time, its architecture and complex urban layout remain intact and have been preserved over time.
This site is distinguished by looming stepped pyramids which represent both its religious and astronomical importance, while its remnants stand as testaments of past splendor and power of its people who once resided here.
scholars have managed to reconstruct some of the city’s history despite limited excavation. For instance, scholars discovered a tunnel underneath steps in the Great Compound (Ciudadela phase) as well as evidence for ritual sacrifices which suggest its existence and suggest its importance in ancient society.
Aztec rulers who ruled over Teotihuacan during its 14th-century occupation saw Teotihuacan as an abandoned and legendary city that they related to their own creation myth, likely accounting for its name, Sun and Moon Pyramids and Avenue of the Dead designation.
Templo Mayor
Historians believe this to be the spot where historians believe Aztecs received confirmation from their gods that Tenochtitlan should become their capital city and where their national emblem, an eagle perched atop a cactus devouring a snake was also kept safe from destruction.
At its summit is a double pyramid with two shrines dedicated to Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli; their respective colors symbolized two mountains sacred to Mexica culture – Tonacatepetl, symbolizing water for humans, and Coatepec representing serpent gods’ serpent mountains.
Templo Mayor was the spiritual and social hub of Tenochtitlan and likely played host to many ritual performances here. A massive monolith depicting Huitzilopochtli defeating Coyolxauhqui and her 400 brothers was placed at this temple, while hundreds of standard-bearer figures may have been placed here during rituals to honour gods or remind people of their promise to obey Mexica gods were also discovered at this location.
The Angel of Independence
The Angel of Independence stands as a memorial to Mexico’s War of Independence heroes and is an iconic landmark. A golden statue depicting Greek goddess Nike covered in 24k gold stands atop a 36-meter column decorated with carvings of garlands, palms and rings with names of Independence heroes engraved.
President Porfirio Diaz commissioned Alciati, a French/Italian sculptor, to design this magnificent statue in 1957 for President Diaz’s garden in Rio. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed it soon afterwards but its magnificent structure was quickly repaired and rebuilt afterward.
Today, the Angel of Independence stands tall above Reforma Avenue’s bustling traffic and chaos; protests, and tourists that pass under its wings; understanding this iconic symbol is key to understanding Mexico as a country and its people. Trillo states that events from September 1910 had a profound effect on how Mexicans commemorate history and independence – with Angel of Independence becoming its pinnacle symbolism of this transformation.
Palace of Lecumberri
Mexico City’s Palace of Lecumberri was used as a prison from 1900-1976 before becoming part of Mexico’s National Archive. Commonly referred to as “Black Palace”, due to countless tortures and murders which took place within its walls, people believe you can hear former prisoners screaming when walking around this haunted palace.
Richard Ross photographed this creepy building as part of his ongoing sociopolitical investigation ‘A Architecture of Authority’, exploring architectural spaces that exert power over individuals. His photographs are both aesthetically elegant and emotionally powerful.
Dellekamp Arquitectos’ video captures this incredible building’s past life as an intimidating prison. The central rotunda served as the surveillance tower; wings with cells are still standing; however, this space that was designed to protect and punish is now open for everyone’s perusal – you can witness for yourself through their incredible video!
