Templo Mayor in Mexico City is one of my favorite archeological sites. The reason? Partly because it is still being excavated. It is wonderful to lean on a railing and watch the workers with brushes cleaning away debris, and partly also because it is right in the center of the city, just a few steps from the zocalo.
Of course, the reason it is a few steps from the zocalo is because the ruins are part of the great Aztec city of Tenochitlan, and Templo Mayor was one of the city’s main temples. Templo Mayor was built on the exact site that indicated the Mexica people had arrived at the promised land – when they saw an eagle on a nopal cactus with a snake in its mouth. (You’ll see this symbolized today on the Mexican flag.)
When the Spanish arrived in 1519 they found a city here of around 200,000 people. They destroyed the city of Tenochitlan, including the Templo Mayor in 1521 and looted it of all its treasures and gold.
Walking along the street today you’ll see the familiar chain link fencing with barriers to obstruct the view. Behind them you’ll hear voices and rhythmic tapping. This is some of the evidence of continuing excavation work taking place. Pay a nominal fee (I think it was 50 pesos or approximately $3.58 US) and you can take a self guided tour. There are wooden walkways throughout the site and plenty of signage explaining things along the way.
But during your visit take a minute here and there to look up and out. Seeing the familiar city just on the other side of these ancient ruins is quite startling. In the picture below, you see the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico in the background and the ruins of Templo Mayor in the foreground
One of the things you’ll notice here, too is that there is still quite a bit of original paint. I love the chac-mool at the top of the post, and the serpent’s head below.
There are many beautiful and interesting things to see here. I loved the huge House of the Eagles, which is roofed to protect the painted areas beneath from further damage. I think you’ll also like the Wall of Skulls right outside the entrance of this building.
There is much more inside the adjacent museum. When you walk out, you might want to visit one of the Mexica shamans in the zocalo for a ritual cleansing. Why not? It might be the perfect ending to your visit to Templo Mayor.
judith
December 29, 2011Nancy, these photos are stunning and make me feel as if I had made a visit. The only dig I have seen that might rival this is in Jerusalem. Thanks.
Laura in Cancun
December 30, 2011That photo with the city in the background is GORGEOUS.
Katie
December 30, 2011I LOVE the templo mayor. It is my favorite Mexican archaeological site (possibly excepting the Cholula pyramid, which has sentimental value).
Nancy
December 30, 2011Judith, Thanks so much. You might have to show me your Jerusalem photos!
Laura, Thanks, I love that one too!
Katie, I’m with you! Paul visited Cholula last August, but I haven’t been there yet. 2012!
Steve Cotton
December 30, 2011Nice summary and photos. One of my favorite vistas is to stand in front of the museum and look back to the cathedral. You can see three cultures: the Aztec, the old Spanish settlement, and the modern Mexican city.
Contessa
December 31, 2011They have uncovered a great deal more since I was last there. Thanks for the tour.
Nancy
December 31, 2011Steve, Thank you. Yes, that is a great view. Hope you have a great New Year.
Contessa, You’re welcome. How long has it been since you were there? Happy New Year!
Contessa
January 1, 2012Maybe 5 years???? Just off the top of my head for now….