Meeting Point

To be arranged

Zocalo Capitalino

Our tour starts at the "Zocalo" the heart of the Viceregal City, which houses the center of political and social life in modern Mexico, the National Palace, built on the remains of the Palace of Moctezuma, on its southeastern corner a monolithic sculpture of Coahatlicue , "Goddess of Snake Skirt" was found in 1790 . We will see the Palacio del Cabildo, The now covered main water channel (Acequiia Real ), former entrance to the now vanished Mercado del Parian . The Main Justice Palace. Just a few meters from Pino Suarez Street where the ancient Calzada de Iztapalapa the southern entrance to Tenochtitlan it was here that Cortez and Montezuma II first met in November 8th , 1519.

Templo Mayor Site

We will walk north to the archaeological site, the Ceremonial Center that encompasses the complex of the Templo Mayor. We will explain the history religion and social life of the Mexicas, while we travel back in time admiring the construction stages of the Templo Mayor, the Casa de las Águilas and some of the buildings that frame the Main Temple. With the assistance of the on-site Temple models I will explain the different periods of human ocupation of the are and the lordshiips that were established at the time of the Mexica (Aztecs) arrival.

Templo Mayor Museum

We will visit the Museum to admire the findings around the excavations that accidentally began in February 21, 1978 with the discovery of Coyolxauqui (the one adorned with rattle bells ).We will see monolithic sculpture of Tlatecuhtli " the earth monster". We will understand the different religious aspects of their cosmological vision through different pieces of art like vases, copal burners and monolithic works.

Casa de Cultura Mexico España Archeological window

We will exit the Museum and we will continue along Guatemala St. to the Mexico Spanish Cultural Center, there we will visit an archaeological window*. We will go down a stairway as we travel back in time into Mexico´s past , and visit the Calmecac were the pipiltin (noble family children ) will study arts, astronomy and science economy to become priests , and warriors. While the children of non noble families mazehualtin will assist school at the Telpochcallies

Metropolitan Cathedral

With construction starting in 1572 the Metropolitan Cathedral with its 59 mts. across x 128 mts in length towering 67 mts. in height on its twin main Bell towers is the most important religious building in Mexico . its interior houses extraordinary samples of baroque, and neoclassical altar pieces within its lateral chapels most gilded with 24 karat gold . The Altar of the Kings at the end of the main nave (abside ) was worked by by Jeronimo de Balbas on cedar wood and gilded in gold making it one of the best samples of Churrigeresco Style altar pieces, certain to catch your interest a perfect setting to end our experience through time as we exit into the crowded XXI century streets.

Ending Point

To be arranged