MEXICO CITY THROUGH THE CENTURIES

polyforum CULTURAL siqueiros

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Tlalpan the former prison of Lecumberri Palace lvaro Obregn

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr9PoHE- The word Mexico comes from 1823 to 1854 1968

Mexico City is currently home to around 9 million people. It has a vast amount of tourist attractions, including 177 museums, making it the city with

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The central neighborhood of the borough, q0gg which offers guided tours. You can the nhuatl words meztli, moon, Power struggle between liberals Mexico City hosts the XIX Olympic Spend a Saturday browsing the bazaar,
Xictli, center or navel, and Co, and conservatives.

the second largest number of museums in the world after London; four unesco World Heritage Sites and 1,500 tourism-quality restaurants.
Games.
San Agustn de las Cuevas, is a charming also take a curative bath at Pen de los viewing the art on sale and exploring

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place. Mexico means in the na- 1855 to 1863 1969
area of Colonial-era houses whose main Baos, famous for its thermal springs and vel of the moon. the restaurants around Plaza San Jacin-
Reform decreed by Mexicos Inauguration of the METRO rapid
square has a bandstand that hosts con- where, every May 5, the Battle of Puebla is president Benito Jurez, known as transportation system. to, the epicenter of San ngel, a charm-

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certs. The Cuicuilco http://www.youtube. recreated. the distinguished of the Americas. ing quarter of cobblestoned streets.
1970

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1325

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com/watch?v=omKheWdV5KA archaeologi- Founding of Mxico-Tenochtitlan, 1857 Mexico City hosts the soccer The Museo Casa del Risco http://youtu.

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capital of the Mexica empire. 1857 Constitution enacted. World Cup.
cal site, just south of the National Autono- Xochimilco be/9rosOJkkXGI inside an elegant man-
1366 to 1519 1976
mous University of Mexico (unam) campus, 1877 to 1911
The Basilica of Guadalupe, by
sion, houses an art collection, while the
Eleven tlatoanis (Mexica Government of general
dates from around 700 BC and is believed Head to one of the embarkation points (em- architect Pedro Ramrez Vzquez, Museo del Carmen tells the story of the

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governors or leaders) govern Porfirio Daz. Mexico
the city of Tenochtitlan, from the opens.
to be the earliest city and ceremonial cen- barcaderos) such as Nativitas or Fernando experiences economic growth. Carmelite nuns in Mexico. The Museo
Acamapichtli dynasty.

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Construction of the Palacio de 1986
ter in the area now occupied by Mexico Celada and get paddled away on a colorful Bellas Artes begins. Casa Estudio Diego Rivera http://www.

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1450 Mexico City once again hosts the
City. An on-site museum exhibits finds gondola through the citys floating gardens Tenochtitlans heyday. The Mexicas
soccer World Cup. youtube.com/watch?v=A7H8kyjOqRk de-
1910 to 1917
from archaeological digs. Located inside a to the rhythm of the musicians that paddle dominate much of Mesoamerica.
Mexican Revolution. 1987 signed by Juan OGorman, was home to Tezozmoc surrounds a lake and has an
19th century mansion, Casa Frissac http:// down the canals. There are four flower and 1519 The Historic Center and Xochimilco the famous painter and Frida Kahlo. For open-air theater, a childrens playground
1917 are declared World Heritage Sites
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DMo5o1Me3Q plant markets: Cuemanco, Madre Selva, Arrival of the Spaniards. Mexica by unesco. BOROUGHS contemporary art, the Museo de Arte and walking trails. Chronicles and sto-
leader Moctezuma Xocoyotzin Triumph of the Constitutionalists.
1917 Constitution written. Pancho lvaro Obregn
houses the Javier Barros Sierra Science San Luis Tlaxialtemalco and Palacio de la meets with Hernn Corts on 2002 Carrillo Gil on Avenida Revolucin of- ries of Mexico: http://www.youtube.com/
November 8, 1519. Villa and Emiliano Zapata emerge Azcapotzalco
and Culture Institute, with an art gallery Flor, as well as plant nurseries at the Centre as leaders. The TURIBS (double-decker fers temporary exhibitions by local and watch?v=nzmCxPPhVAU
August 13, 1521 open-air bus) network opens. Benito Jurez
that holds exhibitions and workshops. For of Environmental Education Acuexcomatl. 1920 international artists.
Mxico-Tenochtitlan falls to the Coyoacn
2003
nature lovers, the Cumbres del Ajusco Na- The Museo Dolores Olmedo Patio, occu- Spaniards. lvaro Obregn becomes
Cuajimalpa Benito Jurez
president. Distribution of lands The Torre Mayor, the citys tallest
tional Park and Tlalpan Forest offer activ- pying a beautiful house and gardens, has an 1522 to the peasants as a result of the tower, opens. Cuauhtmoc Azcapotzalco
ities such as hiking and horseback riding. extensive collection of Mexican modern art revolution. The worlds largest mural, The March
Hernn Corts establishes the 2004 Gustavo A. Madero
Spanish government of the new 1921
and also hosts temporary exhibitions. Both colony in Coyoacn.
The Casa Estudio de Luis Barragn, Iztacalco In the center of the borough, which still of Humanity, by David lfaro Siqueiros,
Obregn designates Jos one of the 20th centurys most Iztapalapa
Venustiano Carranza the parish church of Santa Mara Tepepan 1535 Vasconcelos as Education Minister. important architects, is declared a maintains the airs of a tranquil Colo- measures 26,000 square feet and embla-
World Heritage Site by unesco. Magdalena Contreras
and the Ex Convent of San Bernardino de The Colony of New Spain is A period of rich cultural output nial-era town, is the Jardn Hidalgo. Op- zons the interior of the Polyforum Cul-
officially established. begins. Miguel Hidalgo
Home to the citys three major markets: La Siena date from the 16th century and boast 2007 posite is a former Dominican monastery, tural Siqueiros. The exterior walls also
1922 Milpa Alta
Merced, reputedly one of the largest mar- impressive altars, sculptures and paintings. September 15, 1810 The Campus of the National the Parish Church of Felipe and Santia- boast 12 murals, and the forum houses
The War of Independence begins Mexican muralism is born, with the Autonomous University of Mexico
Tlhuac
kets in the Americas, is also the citys oldest, Visit Xochimilco for cultural tourism: http:// after a call to arms by parish priest emergence of painters such as Dr. (unam) is declared a World Tlalpan go, while the Casa de Cultura, renowned temporary exhibitions. For a panoramic
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Atl, Diego Rivera,Jos Clemente
and is located to the east of the downtown www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSgeV3Pn_ Orozcoand David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Heritage Site by unesco. Venustiano Carranza for its beautiful gardens, hosts tempo- view of the city, sit and eat at the Bellini
area. Divided into sections, the food section z8&list=PL828366036EE40807 September 27, 1821 2010 Xochimilco rary art exhibitions, and the interior of revolving restaurant on the 45th floor of
1938
End of the Independence War. Mexican cuisine is declared
is a colorful show of Mexicos vast variety of Expropriation of the oil industry by Intangible World Heritage by
the nearby Fray Bartolom de las Casas the World Trade Center. Also on Avenida
Mexico City invaded by the army
xochimilco

President Lzaro Crdenas del Ro. Library boasts a fabulous mural by Juan
fruit and vegetables. The Mercado de So- of three guarantees that fought unesco. Insurgentes, Parque Hundido is a sunken
against the Spaniards, headed by 1950 to 1960
nora http://www.youtube.com/wat- Agustn de Iturbide. 2012 OGorman. Once youve strolled around park with an audiorama, while the near-
Mexico City enters a period of The Alameda, the oldest park in
ch?v=jX9lUM4USGE has all kinds of ex- urbanization and the country the neighborhood to take in the sights, by Mixcoac neighborhood is a tranquil,
1822 the Americas, is remodeled.
otic plant remedies, as well as live animals, Agustn de Iturbide proclaims
enjoys an economic bonanza head for one of the oldest cantinas in the Colonial-era enclave. Sports fans must
known as the Mexican miracle. 2013
on sale. The Mercado de Jamaica is famous himself emperor of Mexico under city, El Dux de Venecia, for a drink ac- not miss Plaza Mxico, the worlds larg-
the name Agustn I. Mexico Citys mayor declares
1950 to 1970 tourism as a priority policy for his
for its huge and colorful flower and plant companied by delicious snacks. Inspired est bullring, and the Estadio Cruz Azul,
1823 Iconic public buildings open, government.
market. For a glimpse at the nations past, Iturbides empire overthrown by
including the unam campus and by the gardens of the Aztec emperors home to one of Mexico Citys most cele-
the Auditorio Nacional.
visit the Archivo General de la Nacin and insurgents. on the shores of Lake Texcoco, Parque brated soccer teams.
 jardn centenario

palacio de bellas artes

Soumaya museum
Coyoacn youtu.be/o_tnBhHSTEU astounds with oldest and most traditional pulqueras, Los Magdalena Contreras concerning agriculture and the use of re-
the works of Mexicos great muralists, Hombres Sin Miedo, is located in the San- newable energies. On the Day of the Dead,
The two central squares of this Colo- and which hosts concerts, plays, dance tiago neighborhood. Chronicles and sto- Los Dinamos is an area of protected the Cantoya Balloon Festival is held.
nial-era neighborhood, Jardn Hidalgo and art exhibitions. The Alameda Park, ries of Mexico: http://www.youtube.com/ parkland on the citys southern perim- Chronicles and stories of Mexico: http://
and Jardn Centenario, are a thriving next door, is the largest in the down- watch?v=c6By2vEO5UY eter, through which runs the Magdale- youtu.be/wpGNXDkfGBM
scene of cafs, restaurants and art gal- town area. Plaza Garibaldi is the home na River, the citys only open waterway,
leries. Frida Kahlo was born and died of mariachi musicians and the place for Iztapalapa which follows an 8-mile course through Tlhuac
in La Casa Azul, which exhibits a large celebrations of all kinds. Paseo de la the valley and a series of canyons and
collection of works by the artist and Reforma is bedecked with monuments Famous throughout Mexico for its Good rapids. Its the ideal place to hike, moun- The Day of the Dead celebrations in the
by Diego Rivera. The vast campus of and statues, of Christopher Columbus Friday passion play, when a fortunate tain bike or go horseback riding along town of San Andrs Mixquic http://
the national university, Ciudad Univer- and the Angel of Independence, among local plays the role of Christ and is cruci- the more than 20 miles of trails, and youtu.be/alhUuWc9UME are among the
sitaria, a unesco World Heritage Site, others. The Revolution Monument and fied on the summit of Cerro de La Estre- ride zip lines. The Mazatpetl archaeo- most famous and colorful in the country.
features a stunning museum, the Museo its esplanade pay homage to the heroes bicycle or on foot. The neighborhood is lla hill. Guided tours are available on the logical site contains various monuments The patio of the Casa de Cultura de la
Universitario de Arte Contemporneo watch?v=LRsDF6wz2BY a densely forest- of the nations history, while Roma and crowded with stalls and vendors selling hill, where archaeological remains were built by the Otomi culture. The small, ba- and some of the citys best restaurants, Parroquia de San Andrs houses a small
(muac), exhibiting the works of artists ed hill topped by the former Convent Condesa are must-see neighborhoods objects of devotion, and the remains of recently discovered, and which you can roque-style Church of Magdalena Atlitic while Polanquito and Parque Lincoln are archaeological site, Mixquixtli, which in-
from around the world, and the Espacio of the Barefoot Carmelite nuns, that for their multiple stores, galleries, bars the Guadalupe Aqueduct are still visible. learn more about at the Museo del Fuego is the setting for big celebrations every also pleasant places to explore. The Museo cludes various figurines and sculptures.
Escultrico. You can also take a guided also serves as a gallery for contempo- and restaurants. Mexicos National Polytechnic University Nuevo. On the slope of the hill is the Ex July 22. The temperate forest of Parque Soumaya houses an art collection, and the The parish saints day is on November
tour of the imposing Aztec Stadium, the rary art exhibitions, and offers guided (ipn) houses the Luis Enrique Erro Plan- Convent of Culhuacn, built in 1607 on Ejidal San Nicols Totolapan offers di- Parque Bicentenario boasts greenhouses 30. San Pedro Tlhuac is the largest town
scene of sporting encounters and con- tours. The forested areas of the park Gustavo A. Madero etarium http://youtu.be/5ZAUbzjPAbE what was an important Toltec settlement, verse sporting and recreational activities. that recreate different climates from across of the seven that comprise the borough,
certs. Coyoacn, cultural tourism: http:// are ideal for walking. Enjoy a fresh- offering visitors a didactic view of the and its museum displays figures of dei- the world. Turismo Miguel Hidalgo: http:// with a beautiful plaza in the shade of
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEnoBAl3yR8 ly prepared trout at Los Peteretes or The Basilica de Guadalupe http://you- universe with the aid of cutting-edge ties. La Nueva Viga is one of the worlds Miguel Hidalgo youtu.be/GX863FPsBNk palm trees and dominated by the Church
traditional Mexican snacks at La Ven- tu.be/hsSSm1vKsNY honors the patron technology, and also features a mural largest fish markets and a guided tour in and Ex Convent of San Pedro Apstol. At
Cuajimalpa ta food market. The Bosque El Ocotal saint of Mexico, the dark-skinned virgin chronicling the history of astronomy. Vis- the early morning will introduce you to Chapultepec Park contains some of the Milpa Alta the Lago de los Reyes Aztecas (http://
is another ideal place for practicing that allegedly appeared to Juan Diego it the San Juan de Aragn Zoo to see a an impressive number of species on sale. citys most important museums, such as youtu.be/1iDxoqxrC04 you can take a ride
The highlight of this mostly rural bor- sports or exploring, while the center of in 1551. The virgin is venerated on De- variety of animal species and enjoy out- For open-air activities, visit Parque Cuit- the National Anthropology Museum, with Every October, the small village of San on a gondola-style boat for bird watch-
ough is the Desierto de los Leones Cuajimalpa, with its square and band- cember 12, when it becomes a pilgrim- door activities. lhuac. Chronicles and stories of Mexico: a vast collection showcasing the countrys Pedro Atocpan holds its Mole Fair, when ing, and theres a small museum exhibit-
National Park http://www.youtube.com/ stand, maintains its small-town charm. age destination for millions, many of http://youtu.be/_3VySKlcxew pre-Hispanic civilizations; the Museum of more than 500 exhibitors, both local and ing pre-Hispanic artifacts.
whom travel here from remote towns by Iztacalco Modern Art, with a permanent retrospec- from other regions of the country, present
desierto de los leones National Park

National Anthropology Museum

Mole fair
Cuauhtmoc tive of 20th century Mexican art; the Rufino different varieties of mole, a thick sauce
basilica de guadalupe

The Palacio de los Deportes hosts con- Tamayo Museum, showcasing contem- prepared with a plethora of ingredients
Comprising the ancient heart of the certs, music festivals, fairs and internation- porary art, and the Papalote Childrens that include cocoa, sesame seeds, plan-
city. Templo Mayor http://youtu.be/4ji- al expos, and forms part of the Magdalena Museum, a wonderland for the younger tains and dried chilies, and which comes
CEg-RpeM houses the remains of the Mixhuica Sports City, that includes a velo- visitors. The park is divided into three sec- in a variety of colors, from black and dark
Aztec temple that once stood here, ad- drome. The Foro Sol is also a sports and tions and also contains a zoo, Chapultepec brown to green, orange and red. You can
jacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral concert venue. The nearby Parque Escuela Castle, which houses the National Histo- sample all of the different varieties pre-
http://youtu.be/CLjDdJ8d5N4 the largest Urbano Ecolgico is a green area con- ry Museum, and a large boating lake with pared in a number of ways, as well as
in the Americas. The interior of Palacio ceived to raise environmental awareness. boat rental. In Polanco youll find the most purchase the paste to take home. Foodies
Nacional, the seat of government, is Plaza San Matas lies in the central Barrio prestigious boutiques for luxury goods on should also visit the nopal cactus market.
decorated with murals by Diego Rivera, de la Asuncin, and whose Church and Ex Presidente Masaryk, as well as art galleries, The Centro de Educacin Ambiental Te-
while the Palacio de Bellas Artes http:// Convent date from 1564. One of the citys such as the Sala de Arte Pblico Siqueiros, penahuac organizes educational activities