Travel Guide to Mexico, Mexico

Mexico is the capital that is full of contrasts. You either fall in love with it at first sight, or start to get irritated with everything and the only thing you want is leave it and get to a calmer place. Marvelous buildings and museums are situated near the slums, old churches and quiet cozy parks are the neighbors of lively streets. In one word, the most suitable word for Mexico is 'special'. It is an impressive, catching and multifaceted city.

The Chapultepec Castle. The Chapultepec Castle was built in 1780-1790 on the Aztec fort with a panoramic view on the city. The gardens that surround the castle were projected by Empress Carlotta. At first there took place a military college and then it served as the official royal residence. In 1939 by the permission of President Cardenas the castle became the place of the National Historical Museum. Not long ago the Chapultepec Castle opened after a 2-year restoration, which concerned not only the construction of the building, but also its interior. The Museum of Frieda Kahlo. The Museum of Frieda Kahlo took place in the former house, which belonged to the mysterious and original artist Frieda Kahlo. She used to live there together with her husband. In the museum one can have a look at the personal things of the artist: the jewelry, unfinished paintings and also her invalid chair. Along with the works by Frieda Kahlo you can also find there some paintings by Velasco and Orozco.

The Basilica of St Virgin of Guadalupe. According to the legend, the Basilica of St Virgin of Guadalupe was built on the place, where in 1531 Juan Diego got the apparition of St Virgin of Guadalupe. The local priest Zumarraga at first had a skeptical view on this event and asked for some proofs. St Virgin came to Diego for the second time and her image miraculously appeared on Diego's cloak. Another wonder also took place: the brushwood, collected by Diego turned into roses. After that on the place, where all this happened, on the hill of Tepeyac was built the church devoted to the patroness of Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe. During centuries to the small church came plenty of the faithful, so it has to be changed for the basilica, projected by Vásquez (the architect of the National Museum of Anthropology). The cloak is kept in a special glass case behind the basilica.

The National Museum of Anthropology. The National Museum of Anthropology opened in 1968 and at present day it is one of the best museums of such a kind. At its entrance you'll see an enormous figure of Tlaloca, the Aztec god of rain, which is almost 200 tons heavy. The archeological finds that are exhibited in the 11 halls tell us about the ancient civilizations that lived on the territory of modern Mexico many years ago. The cafeteria of the museum deserves special attention: a lot of concerts with the use of prehistoric instruments are carried out there.

The Museum of Fine Arts. The building works of the Museum of Fine Arts started in 1904 on the ruins of the Cloister of St Isabel. The inauguration of the palace was planned on the day of the 100th anniversary of the independence of Mexico from Spain. But the project, which was directed by architect Adamou Boahri, faced with serious difficulties, because of the instability of the ground. Time passed and the revolution broke out, so the palace was finished only in 1934. That's why it's not surprising that the marble front of the building has style of something between neoclassicism and art-nuevo. It contrasts a lot with other buildings that are likely to have the art deco style. Those who are really fond of art would enjoy the wall-pictures by Siqueiros, Orozco, Tamayo and Montenegro. You should also pay your attention at the glass curtain by Tiffany, created from a million of details, on which modern artist Doctor Alt depicted the volcanoes of Mexico.

The channels of Xochimilco. The channels of Xochimilco were built by the Aztec for agricultural reasons. This technique helped the Aztec to create one of the most perfect cities, the capital of Tenochtitlan. Nowadays the channels of Xochimilco are one of the most popular touristic routes. The banks of the channels are covered with numerous houses and berthing. On weekends there are especially many people there. Many Mexican families and tourists hire ships with music and food.

The National Palace. The National Palace was built by the order of Hernan Cortesthe, the conquer of Mexico. The building that we can see today dates 1693, but in 1920 another stage was added. The National Museum is first of all famous for its marvelous collection of frescos by Diego Rivera, the most famous of which is 'The Epic of the Mexican People' that describes a 2000-year history of Mexico. In the palace also takes place a small museum, devoted to Benito Juárez and the Mexican Congress. The admission is free.

Read more about Mexico:
Restaurants and cuisine in Mexico
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Mexico
Nightlife and attractions in Mexico
Preparing for Mexico: Advices
Mexico photogallery