But Mexico City, (or Ciudad de Mexico in Spanish), is more than just a city. The simple footpaths and trails of the pre-Hispanic trade routes became the roads for carts and mule trains of the colonial period and eventually the core of the country’s transportation system, all converging on Mexico City. This is one of the most significant museums in Latin America as it is here that many of the most important artifacts in the country can be found. The Basilica de Guadalupe, or Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, is a magnificent building, which is the main religious shrine for most Catholics in Latin America. French poet Andre Breton once described Mexico as a surrealist county, and the capital city seems to delight in its own wonderful strangeness. In some districts, like Condesa, Zona Rosa and Polanco, it seems to increase when the stars come out. The city’s energy does not wane when the sun goes down. Although many government agencies and offices have been moved outside of the capital since the 1990s, Mexico City retains the largest concentration of government jobs in the country. Esto es como refiero yo a este lugar. Centralism has perhaps influenced Mexico City’s character the most, for the city has been a hub of politics, religion, and trade since the late Post-Classic Period (13th–16th century ce). The Palacio’s construction began in 1905; however, it was not completed until 1934 due to the Mexican Revolution. Its capital city, Federal District, Mexico City, has a population of 21.2 million people with 8.9 million of these people living within the city. Here, you will also find various vendors offering delightful crafts, paintings and pictures that you can purchase at very affordable prices. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The experience is slightly surreal, as trumpeting mariachi bands float by in other boats, vendors offer sweet fruity drinks, and revelers shout and laugh as you float on by in a wooden boat adorned with paper flowers. There is, however, a distinct rainy season during the summer months where it can rain for the majority. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and by far the most populated city in the country. Largest Cities in Mexico Mexico itself is a country, officially known as the United Mexican States, and its capital is also called Mexico. Mexico City is a metropolis of contrasts, a monument to a proud and industrious country also faced with many problems. Mexico City, Nahuatl México, Spanish Ciudad de México or in full Ciudad de México, D.F., city and capital of Mexico, synonymous with the Federal District (Distrito Federal; D.F.). 2. The pieces span various periods and are displayed next to their folk-art inspirations. Commonly, in the rest of the country, this is called in abbreviated form Mexico or also Federal District , while abroad is often simply called Mexico City . Its highland location makes it a natural crossroads for trade between the arid north, the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico (east) and the Pacific Ocean (west), and southern Mexico. Travel with us to see how much you know about the world we live in and its many unique places. 10 Nur-Sultan (previously named Astana) is the capital city of Kazakhstan. One of the capital’s most important museums is the Museo Dolores Olmedo Patino, home to an extensive collection of masterpieces by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Speaking of the Palacio … The city was founded in 1325 by the Mexica people, followed by the Aztecs and the Spanish rulers. updated Aug 16, 2011. edited by toothpastechica. Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy. Throughout their history, the Mexican people have fostered a talent for artistic representation and dazzled with their keen eye for color. Spanish is the official language of Mexico and for many Mexicans it is the only language they know. Along the water, you will spy vibrant orchids, small homes, lush trees and bushes, women hanging the laundry while children run nearby and other sights that represent the real Mexico City. Paris, Bujumbura, Pierre, and Nuuk all have something in common: they are all capital cities. Time-lapse video of Mexico City and Teotihuacán. These are just a few of the exciting attractions in Mexico City. Asesorias personalizadas y especializadas en servicios financieros. 1. vote. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements in the Western Hemisphere, and it is ranked as one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas. The original Basilica was constructed in 1709. Afterwards, the city’s inhabitants named it just Mexico. Mexico City Keeps Sinking As Its Water Supply Wastes Away "We are depleting volumes of water that took hundreds, thousands of years to store. More stunning works by both artists can be seen at the Museo de Arte Moderno, along with pieces by Olga Costa, Jose Clemente Orozco, Leonora Carrington and David Alfaro Siqueriros. But the capital’s huge metropolitan population constitutes some one-fifth of Mexico’s total, representing one of the world’s most significant ratios of capital-to-national population. One moment, you may find yourself knocking back shots of tequila with locals at a grand old cantina, then jamming to an international band on a rooftop terrace in the next. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia is located in Chapultepec area, and visitors can get to it by taking the Metro to Auditorio Station and walking east on Paseo de la Reforma for about four blocks. The Templo Mayor was once the main religious center for the Aztecs of Tenochtitlan. The capital city of Mexico is Mexico City. The razing of Tenochtitlán and the emergence of Mexico City, https://www.britannica.com/place/Mexico-City, Mexico City - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Mexico City - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Mexico City: Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace. Mexico City is the largest city in Mexico and Houses all three branches of government Mexico City is located at 23.6345° N, 102.5528° W at an elevation of 7382'. Pop. New Mexico Mexico City has been the capital since 1325. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Catedral Metropolitana, or Metropolitan Cathedral, is one of Mexico City’s most beautiful cathedrals that took more than 150 years to complete. There is also a museum here that gives visitors a peek at what the city looked like before Spanish Conquistadores destroyed much of it. Your email address will not be published. Mexico is organized as a federation comprising 31 states and Mexico City, its capital and largest metropolis. Anything of importance was conducted here including activities pertaining to religion, commerce and politics. The story of how the Aztecs selected the location of their capital in such a miserable place is one part legend and another part history. Author of several articles on Mexican geography and archaeology. To the right of the Cathedral, you can have your pick of several restaurants that offer fast food options, traditional Mexican meals and international cuisine. Whether it’s an ancient capital of an empire or a current capital of a province, you’ll find it in this quiz. The Zocalo is home to several attractions including the Palacio Nacional, Mexico City Cathedral and the Templo Mayor. Mexico City captivates millions of visitors each year with its bubbling street life, refreshing springlike climate and abundant cultural offerings. In fact, the sheer importance of the site makes it one of the most popular attractions in the country. The name México is derived from Nahuatl, the language of its precolonial inhabitants. Mexican Stock Exchange, Mexico City. (2010) city, 8,555,272; Federal District, 8,851,080; metro. The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. Since the Catedral Metropolitana is located in the middle of the city, it is only a short distance from many other exciting attractions. area, 20,116,842. This city has close to 25 million residents which makes it one of the most populous metropolitan cities in the entire world. The capital of Mexico is actually a state in and of itself, and there are 32 of these Federal Entities that makeup Mexico … Rosario A.D. capital of Mexico. The Plaza de la Constitucion, also known as the Zocalo, is the heart of Mexico City and is located in el Centro Historico near the metro bus stop. Building. Throughout the centuries, the city has attracted people from the surrounding provinces seeking jobs and opportunities or the possibilities of comparative safety and shelter, as well as a myriad of amenities from schools and hospitals to neighbourhood organizations and government agencies. Chapultepec Castle, the Independence Monument, the Pemex fountain, and numerous other monuments and memorials attest to past dreams and future aspirations amid the chaos of congested avenues and endless neighbourhoods built on the dry bed of Lake Texcoco. Example of: national capital. Before experiencing a Mexico City vacation, take time to research these attractions. By Reuters Staff. The streets there are teeming with world-class restaurants, packed discos and bars that serve up strong drinks and tasty tacos until at least 3 am. 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