Â鶹APP

By Smallchief – Wikimedia

10 Famous Icons and Landmarks to see in Mexico

Mexico has one of the largest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in continental America. There are several historical and cultural ruins alongside sparkling sandy beaches.

Mexico City is one of the most beautiful and colourful cities in the world. There are about 35 World Heritage Sites in Mexico. Part of these is 27 cultural sites, 6 natural sites and 2 architectural sites.

This was home to some of the earliest civilizations such as the Aztec, Inca, Mayan, Zapotec and the Olmec. These ancient tribes greatly contributed to the modern ways of the traditional Mexican culture.

Archaeologists have been able to dig up ancient work tools that were used by these tribes. Stone tools that were dug up have proven that Mexica was inhabited by humans more than 23,000 years ago.

These archaeological sites are open to tourists to explore and go down memory lane of these ancient tribe’s way of living.

Landmarks are not the only attraction in this Spanish speaking city, there is salsa dancing, tequila, delicious spicy food and pleasant people.

Here are the top 10 icons and landmarks to see in Mexico.

1. Monte Alban

By Nsaum75 – Wikimedia

This used to be home to the Zapotec and Mixtec tribes. It is a series of ruins going back to 500 BC. The people lived and performed religious rituals here.

Located in the hillside, the site was built on high grounds to form a fortress against other tribes that frequently attacked them. While up there, one gets beautiful sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

The ancient tribes that lived here carved canals, pyramids and terraces into the hillside. There are symbolic texts carved on the hill that was done for religious purposes.

Monte Alban also known as the White mountain overlooks the valley of Oaxaca. There are two huge pyramids at the ends of the great plaza. Between the two pyramids are platforms and terraces.

2. Chichen Itza

In this location, you will find stepped pyramids, temples and other stone structures of Chichen Itza. These structures were named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and they deserve it.

The location of the Chichen Itza is across some sprawling grasslands. There were two ancient cities built by the Maya and Toltecs tribes.  

One of the structures that stand out is the Temple of Kukulkan. There are more than 365 steps on it. It is believed that each step represents each day of the year.

Archaeologists believe that the city was built between the 6^th and 9^th AD. This is one of the most popular Mexican tourist attractions.                  

The area features several monuments that have been carved resembling the movements of the planets. They represent the Mayan celestial calendar.

3. Monumento a la Revolución

By ismael villafranco – Wikimedia

This monument represents the revolution that liberated Mexico from the rule of the Spanish. It is found in Mexico City located in Plaza de la República. The monument was turned into a mausoleum for Pancho Villa, Venustiano Carranza and Lázaro Cárdenas.

It took 28 years to complete this monument and it’s the largest victorious arch. Nearby attractions include Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida de Los Insurgentes in downtown Mexico City.

Carlos Obregon Santacilia, a Mexican architect, renovated the arch and transformed it into a monument celebrating Mexican revolution fighters.

4. Palenque Temples

These temples are found deep in the Mexican jungle, surrounded by incredible wildlife. The temples were discovered by a Spanish explorer in the 16^th century.

It is believed that they were constructed around 100/200AD. The tomb of Pakal the Great has hidden inscriptions. Pakal became king aged 12 and commissioned the renovation of the temples.

He also ordered the series of events on the construction be recorded. This has come in handy for archaeologists who have been able to get great insights into life in 200AD.

The architectural sophistication and sculptures found at the temple reveal so many historical facts.

5. Castillo de Chapultepec

By Arturo Chavez -Wikimedia

This is a beautiful palace dating back to the colonial period and is on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City. The palace was named after the hill that it majestically stands on.

It was constructed in 1785 by Viceroy Bernardo de Galvez. This palace became the home of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and later on hosted Mexico’s presidents.  

Most of Chapultepec Castle has been turned into a National History Museum. It showcases the diverse history from the Pre-Hispanic era through to Spanish colonialism and on to Mexico’s independence.

There are marvellous mural paintings, colourful corridors, and gold trappings. The pavement has a checkerboard design and carved statues on the side.

6. Visit Tulum

When in Mexico one cannot miss visiting Tulum. It is having the only ruins in Mexico that are by the sea. The ruins once served as a seaport and were the gateway for the Mayan Empires.

They traded in cacao beans, copper and cotton. El Castillo is the main pyramid in Tulum that used to be a lighthouse. It has its window at the top of the tower.

A visit to this place will give you a front-row view of the unique seafront. The area is home to iguanas. There are beautiful beaches along the Mayan Riviera such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

The ruins here are so well preserved and looks like a fortress dating back to the 13^th century. It overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

7. Museo Frida Kahlo

By Oskar Bernal – Wikimedia

One of the most celebrated icons of Mexico is Frida Kahlo. She was a Mexican artist. There is a museum that has been dedicated to documenting her life. The museum used to be her home.

This museum is a must-see while in Mexico City. Locals here know it as the Blue House and is located in Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood Coyoacán district.

There are several other attractions in the area attracting hundreds of tourists daily. You will get to see Frida’s dresses; these are used to express the visual images she constructed. Each dress tells a story. Frida loved the traditional Mexican garb.  

Her style inspired international designers such as Riccardo Tisci, or Jean-Paul Gaultier.

8. Catedral Metropolitana

By Sam Beebe – Wikimedia

Located in Mexico City is the Cathedral Metropolitana. It is an impressive building that was constructed in 1573. The Cathedral features Baroque architecture.

Although there was a recent renovation of the church, none of the original designs was destroyed. The preservation was done for future generations.   

At the entrance of the cathedral are two large towers which are encrusted in mother of pearl. Inside the Cathedral, you will find a beautiful marble altar with gilded carvings.

The cathedral also doubles as a museum housing a collection of religious and historical artefacts.

9. Mexico City’s Historic Centre

Mexico City has several world-class museums, art galleries as well as the seat of government. One of the most visited places in the city is the historic centre.

This is a 15-square-kilometre UNESCO Heritage Site and has more the 1,400 important colonial buildings dating back to the 16^th and 19^th centuries.   

All the attractions are within walking distance from the main plaza, Constitution Square. Some of the attractions include the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor with its Aztec relics.

10. Copper Canyon

By Smallchief – Wikimedia

Lastly, Copper Canyon is another landmark to visit while in Mexico. This landmark is located in the Sierra Madre Occidental region and has a series of deep canyons.

The Copper Canyon is among the largest and deepest. It comes a close second to the Grand Canyon in the United States.  

Just by its name, the Canyon has steep walls copper coloured. The Canyon was formed by six rivers that converge in the Rio Fuerte before draining into the Gulf of California.

The best way to experience the Copper Canyon is by riding the Copper Canyon Railway. You will get to see incredible scenery as well as wildlife.