The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is located in the very center of the country. The outskirts of the city are almost solid mountains and volcanoes, so one of the largest megacities in the world is not one of the most environmentally friendly cities on the planet. But this is not a reason to postpone the trip, as the local sights are worth spending a few unforgettable days here.
Mexico City is one of the most interesting places in Latin America. Let's take a walk around the city.
Zocalo
In any Spanish colonial city, there was certainly a square on which the cathedral and administrative buildings were located. Zocalo is the main square of Mexico City, located in its historic center. Its official name is Constitution Square, but the locals do not call it that. For everyone, she is just Zocalo.
During the reign of the Aztecs, all meetings were held here. During the colonization period, the square became the venue for coronations, military parades and other similar events. Today, the square also plays the role of a place where residents of the city traditionally gather to celebrate.
National Palace
The building served as the residence for almost all the rulers of New Spain. After Mexico gained independence, the palace served as a shelter for two more emperors, and then the first president of the country.
Today, the palace remains a meeting place of the highest level. But at the same time, most of the premises, halls and rooms are freely visited by numerous tourists.
Sochimilco
Quite a picturesque area of the capital. It is known for its canals and artificial islands. Here you can go for a ride on small boats, vaguely reminiscent of Venice's gondolas. The canals and islands that have existed here since the reign of the Aztecs are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Basilica of Saint Mary of Guadalupe
The Basilica is one of the most important Catholic churches in the country. It is here that the image of Mary of Guadalupe is located, which is highly revered among the inhabitants of the country. The building of the basilica was built on the site of the appearance of the Mother of God to a poor peasant.
Chapultepec Castle
Construction began in 1785 and completed in 1863, when the country had already gained its independence. Chapultepec sits at the very top of a hill once revered by the Aztecs as a sacred site. Then a castle was erected here, which is now one of the largest museums in the city.
This is the only castle in the entire American continent that served as a residence for the royal family - the Emperor of Mexico Maximilian I and his wife.
