Mexico City is a fascinating capital of Mexico. It enjoys a rich history and beguiles its visitors to its myriad of possibilities. It is one of the largest metropolises in the world situated in between breath taking peaks, the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl. A proud city with a very distinct colonial charm surrounding it. Mexico City boasts of scattered flourishing patches of land and alluring side streets. Its Spanish colonial past is evident on the architectures that dot its landscape, buildings with mostly Latin-American Baroque style.
Mexico is densely populated with pollution like a cloud hanging over the capital. Despite these conditions; the city’s Federal District continues to enjoy a bustling tourist commerce. The city has 16 districts and 400 neighborhoods. Streets around the city are named after famous writers, philosophers, European cities and rivers rendering the city its rustic charm. Naming streets in these manners makes it easy for visitors who come enthralled navigate the city with ease.
Mexico City sits on a high altitude hence in its very heart where the Centro Historico or the Historic Center is, is the Plaza de la Constitucion, which is known locally as Zocalo, an Aztec worn meaning pedestal. Plaza de la Constitucion , the central feature of Mexico City , is an independence monument which was completed in the 19th century. It is one of the largest squares in the world and is considered to rival that of Moscow’s Red Square. It was on this square that that the first constitution of Mexico was proclaimed in 1813. It is a vast empty space where every morning a huge Flag of Mexico is raised every morning and every night, as part of the Mexican Army’s tradition amidst a ceremony is taken down with great reverence and care.
Places to visit within a few paces from the Zocalo include the Catedral Metropolitana, north of the square which is the largest cathedral in the Americas. It is an ensemble of many facades, showcasing styles such as Neo-classical, Baroque and Gothic. There is also the Aztec Templo Mayor or the Great Temple, lying east of the cathedral. It has an adjoining museum that features historical artifacts, a treat down the ancient lane for the tourists. Another good place to visit is the National Palace east of the Zocalo. It is home to Diego Rivera’s mural and other art works. The National Palace is the seat from where the President of the Republic holds office.