Mexico City

Capital of the country, located in Federal District (Distrito Federal) in central Mexico

El Angel de la Independencia, Mexico D.F.

Mexico City is located in a high valley (7,525 ft. above sea level) in central Mexico, surrounded by mountain ranges and in the shadow of the Popocatepetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes.

Over the millenia the inhabitants of the Valley of Mexico have included the ancient Aztec (Mexica), Toltec and Chichimeca tribes, cultures which left a wealth of relics and ruins in the area that have attracted and amazed tourists and visitors throughout its history. Mexico City today is one of the largest cities in the world.

In the Historic Center of Mexico City can be found a wealth of colonial architecture, plazas and cathedrals, archaeological sites and historical monuments to explore. The city also is home to a selection of incredible museums, among which number:

• National Museum of Anthropology, considered Mexico’s most spectacular museum in which are exhibited a wealth of artifacts of the pre-colombian and indigenous civilizations of the country. This museum is worthy of a series of visits in order to better be able to take in all it has to offer. Located on Reforma in Chapultepec Park.The Shrine of Guadalupe Museum, featuring catholic art and images of Guadalupe
• The Cathedral Museum next to the central Mexico City Cathedral in the Zocalo (central plaza in downtown Mexico City).
• National Museum of Art, in the Historic Center, displaying a fine collection of Mexican art and temporary exhibits.
• The National History Museum, located in Chapultepec Castle within Chapultepec Park.
• Colegio de San Ildefonso, also in the Historic Center of the city near the Zocalo, displaying a number of frescoes and temporary art exhibits.
• The Rufino Tamayo Art Museum located on Paseo de la Reforma and Gandhi streets, in Polanco.
• The Museum of Modern Art, located within the confines of Chapultepec park at the corner of Reform and Gandhi streets.
• Museum of the Templo Mayor, just off the central Zocalo in Mexico City’s downtown core, displaying the archaeological finds of the main temples of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan.
• Natural History Museum, also located in Chapultepec Park.
• “El Papalote” Childrens’ Museum, offering fascinating opportunities to interact with the world; located on Constituyentes Ave. No. 268 in Chapultepec Park.
• The Museum of Popular Cultures, in which are found displays illustrating the Mexican cultures and ways of life; located on Hidalgo Street in the southern neighborhood of Coyoacan.
• The House of Frida Kahlo, known as the Blue House, is located in Coyoacan at Londres 247, and displays articles and mementos from the life of Frida.
• The Sor Juana Museum is located in the historical center of Mexico City on San Jeronimo No. 47. Formerly the San Jeronimo Convent, is is now a cultural center and museum housing a collection of historical artifacts, many of which center around the life and times of poet and scholar, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz.

Search and compare Mexico City Hotels…

Related articles by Zemanta

• The everyday, resplendent in aluminum (hermenaut.org)
• Frida Kahlo painting unseen for 72 years to be sold at auction (telegraph.co.uk)
• Mexico’s Carlos Slim Builds a Dazzling Art Palace (businessweek.com)

Originally posted 2009-10-12 17:32:25.