Cultural sightseeing in Mexico. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces
Mexico is visited by 20 million tourists every year. Some of them are attracted by sea resorts, some by the local cuisine, others by the ancient culture. Everyone can find something to their liking in Mexico. The country with a rich history has many museums that are ready to reveal the secrets of the past to anyone interested. In Mexico City, there is the 18th-century Chapultepec Castle combining neo-romanticism and neo-Gothic in its architecture. In the 19th century, it housed a military academy, then the residence of Emperor Maximilian I, and now it is occupied by the National Museum of History. In the Museum, you can see artifacts of the ancient cultures of Mexico, admire paintings by Mexican artists like Jose Clemente Orozco and others, learn the history of the war of independence, and other key moments in Mexican history.
Mexican cities never sleep. The night here has its own special colors and shades, and nightlife is energetic and incendiary. One of the most popular …
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1. Going to Mexico, one needs to learn some basic phrases ("hello", "please", "thank you", "excuse me", "goodbye" and so on). Even if words are …
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Ancient history awaits tourists in Oaxaca. The incredible Monte Alban, or White Mountain, is a mountain on top of which are the ruins of the ancient city of the Zapotec people. This place offers a magical view of the valley. Walking through the city as if plunges visitors into the distant past of the cruel civilization. The ruins of the city of Uxmal in northwestern Yucatan tell about the life of the Maya people. Built in the 9th century, this city with its magnificent pyramids, palaces, and the face of the rain god found at every turn is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
For tourists traveling with children, Mexico offers a large selection of entertainment and educational activities. It's worth to check out the …
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The luxurious marble Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City is not only an opera house but also an exhibition hall and a museum. The building is magnificent both inside and outside - marble and gilding are everywhere. It hosts exhibitions of works by artists from around the world and carefully preserved paintings by Mexican artists. Opera and ballet are staged in a theater with a stained glass curtain, and on the fourth floor is the National Museum of Architecture keeping modern exhibits.
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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Mexico
Reference information
Cathedrals and basilicas in Mexico
♥ Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Acapulco. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, San Pedro y San Pablo Ayutla. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Oaxaca. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de la Ascunsión, Chilpancingo de los Bravo. On the map Photos
♥ Concatedral de la Ascunsión, Chilapa. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral del Señor, Villahermosa. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de San Juan Bautista, Tuxtepec. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Acapulco. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, San Pedro y San Pablo Ayutla. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Oaxaca. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de la Ascunsión, Chilpancingo de los Bravo. On the map Photos
♥ Concatedral de la Ascunsión, Chilapa. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral del Señor, Villahermosa. On the map Photos
♥ Catedral de San Juan Bautista, Tuxtepec. On the map Photos
Palaces in Mexico
♥ Palace 'Castillo de Chapultepec' Mexico City. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Castillo de San Juán de Ulúa' Veracruz. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Government Palace of Chihuahua' Chihuahua. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Hospicio Cabañas' Guadalajara. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Los Pinos Official Residence' Mexico City. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Castillo de Chapultepec' Mexico City. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Castillo de San Juán de Ulúa' Veracruz. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Government Palace of Chihuahua' Chihuahua. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Hospicio Cabañas' Guadalajara. On the map Photos
♥ Palace 'Los Pinos Official Residence' Mexico City. On the map Photos
Extreme Guinness-type places in Mexico
Chapel La Estancia
From the series “Glass Architecture - Impressive Villas and Buildings from Glass”
Cuernavaca, Mexico, became known to the world thanks to its outstanding wedding Chapel La Estancia. It is situated on the territory of a picturesque garden that for a number of years is being used for wedding ceremonies. In 2007 one of the local young architects decided to build in this garden a small glass chapel. Later, he celebrated his own wedding there. Chapel La Estancia is a nice and airy place. Only at first glance, the project of this building looks easy.
Originally the architect wanted to make the whole building in the glass. For the realization of this idea, there must be done a complex system of ventilation in order to escape the greenhouse effect. The floor and the ceiling in the chapel are made from wood, the walls forming glass flat-topped panels that are put 10 … Read all
Originally the architect wanted to make the whole building in the glass. For the realization of this idea, there must be done a complex system of ventilation in order to escape the greenhouse effect. The floor and the ceiling in the chapel are made from wood, the walls forming glass flat-topped panels that are put 10 … Read all
La Yesca Dam
From the series “The Most Impressive Dams on Earth”
La Yesca Dam is a world known dam in Mexico. It has begun to work only in 2012. The 220 meters high dam has been built for 5 years. La Yesca Dam is a 628 meters long rock-fill dam with a solid concrete pavement. The dam is located on the Santiago River near Guadalajara. Today it is quite popular touristic place of interest.
As other largest world dams, La Yesca Dam generates huge volumes of the electric power and regulates water currents. The surface area of the reservoir is 33,4 square meters. The dam is an essential component of the working power station. The power of which has numerously increased since the new dam has appeared.
This power station is one of the leading in the whole world. It has two all-powerful turbine-generators. Travellers, who want to see the large and … Read all
All unique sightseeing Mexico
As other largest world dams, La Yesca Dam generates huge volumes of the electric power and regulates water currents. The surface area of the reservoir is 33,4 square meters. The dam is an essential component of the working power station. The power of which has numerously increased since the new dam has appeared.
This power station is one of the leading in the whole world. It has two all-powerful turbine-generators. Travellers, who want to see the large and … Read all
Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
28.03.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
28.03.2024
Top cultural sites of Mexico: monuments, theaters and churches
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» In the middle of the 16th century, the peasant had a vision of the Virgin Mary. No one believed and then he brought roses that gave off a bright light as a proof. It was decided to build the cathedral on the hill, on the site of the appearance of the Virgin Mary. » The sacred cloak of the peasant, in which the flowers were wrapped up, is kept in Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe.
» The silky fabric is very soft. Researchers couldn’t explain the preservation of the cloak of agave leaves that is aged almost 500 centuries. You can clearly see the face of the Mother of God on the cloth. The Virgin of Guadalupe is worshipped as the celestial patron of the whole city.
» The number of pilgrims (12 million every year) is rising from year to year. There are two escalators for their convenience. They move in different directions. They also take visitors to the altar, above which you can see a blue cloth in the shatterproof glass box.
» The building is adjacent to the museum. Its exposure tells about events and items of the religious cult.
» The festivity dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe that takes place in the square in front of the cathedral has become an annual tradition.
» The building has a circular layout with a diameter of 100 meters. It accommodates almost a thousand worshipers.
Chapultepec Castle, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» The Indians living here in the 8th century where the palace is located today called the hill Chapultepec, which is literally translated as “the hill of grasshoppers”. » At its top, there is the former building of Mexican rulers of the 18th century. Over the years of its existence, Castillo de Chapultepec had served as the Emperor’s house, a military academy, and an astronomical observatory.
» Today, the national History Museum presents exhibitions about the history of ancient and modern Mexico. The interior of rooms on the ground and first floors have been preserved since the period of the Emperor’s reign. Here, you can see antique furniture and such household items, as old mirrors, tableware, and paintings.
» The Emperor’s Dining Room will impress you with the carved wooden ceiling. The hall is decorated with painted stained glass. The bathroom has remained almost unchangeable. In 19 showrooms, you can see medieval munitions, different weapons, and household items that represent historical moments of the country.
» The castle has another amazing feature: there is a botanical garden on the roof, in the open air.
» Near the building, there is an observation tower built in 1833. Near the castle, there is a parking area with a total area of 686 hectares. There are a zoo and different themed museums in its territory.
La Santísima Church, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» La Santísima Church has been built for over a hundred years. The first church was completed on 19 September 1667. » Over time, the building was destroyed and needed to be restored. In 1754, it was closed for worshipers upon the order of the Archbishop due to the lack of funding. It was decided to build a new church in 12 months.
» After the restoration and reconstruction in 1783, the church was blessed for holding services.
» Many decorative figurines outside are very impressive. There are busts of twelve apostles. Exquisite sculptures represent missionaries who came here to introduce the locals to the Christian faith.
» The sculpture of Jesus putting his head on God’s knees has a magic influence on people. Worshippers visit La Santísima Church exactly for this purpose.
» The unique music clock voices the national anthem.
» The observation platform has a panoramic view of the historic city center.
» In 1932, the church and adjacent hospitals have been added to the register of the national attractions of Mexico.
Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» The high Catholic basilica of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary with a bell tower dates from the 16th century. It took two hundred years to construct it. » The exterior is a mix of three architectural styles: Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassicism.
» A tall construction made of grey stone and finished with white granite has two seventy-metre towers. It’s decorated with carved pillars and an arched entrance. The corner towers have 30 bells. The central one has a tower clock with a set of bells. Their melodious ring is repeated regularly.
» The outer side of the cathedral is decorated with the statues of patron saints and figures of apostles. Visitors are allowed inside, but they ought to observe the code of conduct accepted here.
» The interior decoration strikes with its luxury. Both walls and round pillars supporting the ceiling have elements of gilding, marble tiles, and ivory. The Altar of Forgiveness rises on the central pedestal.
» Two 18th-century organs that are the largest ones in Latin America are preserved in the cathedral. There’s a carved choir cherry in colour. The underground part has crypts with the remains of bishops who faithfully served the people. Many monarchs were crowned here.
Museum of Modern Art, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» The architectural studio has designed the cultural site to introduce the general public to modern art. The building is suitable not only for static and temporary exhibitions, but also for art seminars. » The site where the museum is located is not incidental: weather conditions and its fitness for the city landscape have been considered.
» The total area of the internal space if over 2000 square meters. The museum has 5 floors. At the first level, there are exhibitions and learning halls. On other floors, there are bookstores and cafes.
» The unique roof has been constructed for bright and natural lighting. The exterior design is extraordinary too: two round objects situated far away from each other are connected by stairs.
» In exhibition halls, you will learn about the art and life of modern local artists and see the paintings of eminent painters. Drawings, sculptures and unusual installations are also displayed in showrooms.
» You can also see here some part of the collection of sculptures in the garden.
National Anthropology Museum, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» Every year, almost 2 million people visit the Anthropology Museum to learn about the origin and development of the human race. » There is a solid stone block at the entrance. The boulder represents the god of rainfalls. The 168-ton basalt statue was found in one of the Mexican cities.
» The Museum in Mexico is divided into 2 sectors, each of which includes 11 showrooms. The ground floor is an anthropological hall. It houses the collection telling about classes of people living in South America.
» The main attraction is an ancient calendar, the Sun Stone, that represents the life of the Aztec tribe living in the Valley of Mexico.
» The second level displays an ethnographic exposure. It tells about the life of modern Mexicans from all parts of the world. You can also use the services of audio guides.
» In the lobby, you can see static pictures of the museum and its exhibits. There is a fresco that depicts the jaguar and the dragon on the wall. It was created by the famous avant-garde artist Tamayo.
» In the courtyard, there is a fountain in the shape of a stone umbrella. The 11-meter handle upholds the dome, from which the water falls.
National Palace, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» The Head of State and the Ministry of Finance have settled in the National Palace of red brick. It is located in Constitution Square (Zocalo). The building project was endorsed by the conquistador in 1692. » The President’s study, living room and bedroom (1860) are open for visitors. The exhibition is organized here. Personal belongings of the politician are kept here too. The items displayed will tell about the establishment of the Mexican Congress.
» Museum exhibits are displayed in 19 halls. At the first level, the wall painting from the floor to the ceiling shows the city as it looked like before the Spanish conquerors had come.
» The walls of the second floor are covered with frescoes that depict the 2000-year-old history of Mexico. One of the sides of the painting depicts aborigines’ life.
» The other one shows the pictures of today’s country. The master has decorated the panels for 16 years. He expressed the stages of the state development in his pieces of art.
» There are three entrances to the palace. The first one leads to prison cells and the torture chamber. The Southern entrance that is closed for tourists leads to the President’s equipment room. The Central one leads to a comfortable patio.
» There is a fountain and a garden with special types of cactuses. The palace resembles a fortress with its exterior.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico
Location on the map: Interesting facts:
» In the historic center, there is the Palace of Fine Arts. » When it was being built, the items dating back to the period of the Aztec Empire had been found in the ground.
» It started to be built in 1904. The construction lasted 30 years because it was hampered by the civil war.
» The outer walls are lined with white Carrara marble (the most precious type of this material). The building was projected by the Italian architect at the beginning of the 20th century. The huge construction is upheld by a steel frame. There is the sculpture of the eagle on the palace dome. It is surrounded by symbolic figurines of the goddess and the muse.
» The interior walls are decorated with historical paintings created by Mexican artists.
» There are a lot of rooms in the palace, some of which are occupied by the Opera House. Its scene is decorated with curtains made in the Workshop Tiffany. It is made of fine glass pieces. As a result, it depicts the volcano. The audience hall accommodates a thousand people.
» The building includes different themed museums, of architecture and fine arts. There are seven showrooms in the National Museum. Each of them is dedicated to a particular local artist.
» The palace is surrounded by sculptures and the park.