Mexico is the capital and largest city of Mexico. The headquarters of the federal administration department at an altitude of 2,250 m on one of the high plateaus of Anâhuac.

In 1930, the city covered an area of ​​200 km2 and its population was 1 million. In 1970, its area reached 650 km2 and its population reached 8 350 000. In 1982, it spread over an area of ​​800 km2 and housed 15-17 million people. In 1990, despite all control efforts, the population in the center was 8 236 900. With a population of 13 636 127 in the residential area, Mexico has become the world’s largest and most polluted city. In addition to the high birth rate in the city, migrants from rural areas and other cities play a role in the rapid increase in the population.

The Greater Mexico settlement constitutes a vast urban area of ​​over 2000 km2. There are 10 000 km of roads and streets in the capital, but in order to monitor the spreading speed of the big city, it is necessary to build an additional 1200 km every year.

The historical mastermind of the colonial-era city (cathedral, Sagrario church, national palace), whose center is the Zocalo square, is under the threat of modern residences. 19th century. The city is undergoing complete regeneration between Alameda and Chapultepec, and large glass and steel structures are replacing neo-classical houses. The areas lined with small folk-style houses that climb up the industrialized northern hills of the city, and especially the residential districts that emerged suddenly in the east of the city, exhibit both a poor and miserable view of today’s city.

However, Mexico provides 80% of the office clerks in Mexico and 50% of the employment in the industrial sector. Since political and economic centralization is so great, the city provides almost half of the GNP. Governments, decision centers, large schools, industries are gathered in the metropolitan area of ​​Mexico.

Founded in 1325, the city became the capital of the Aztec Empire under the name Tenochtitlan. This small lake village developed due to the strengthening of the Aztec state, especially starting from the reign of Itzcoatl (1428-1440).

Composed of four neighborhoods, each with a religious center, the city stretched along the canals to the island of Tlatelolco, where a large market was established. Three high cliffs connected the city to the shore, and two aqueducts provided drinking water. The prosperity resulting from the empire’s territorial expansion fueled the population growth of the capital and neighboring states; According to some authors, this crowd of people amounted to 1 million people.

During large public or private works, remains of the old main city were found beneath the contemporary city. During the great works undertaken in 1978, the Great Teocalli (Holy City) was unearthed under Constitucion Square, along with many religious buildings: Tezcatlipoca temple, round Quetzalcoatl temple, Sun temple, Xipe Totec temple, especially the twin Tlaloc, the main element of this building community. and the Huitzilopochtli temple. This mountain temple has become one of the best known temples in the city with its seven construction phases. Next to this sacred building, there were palaces of the king and notables surrounded by gardens.

The city was conquered by Cortes on 13 August 1521; The Spaniards attempted to destroy the city and rebuild it according to a new plan. Mexico, which became the main city of New Spain, expanded by spreading into areas gained from abalone, which was slowly dried by drainage channels. It has been the capital of Mexico since 1824.

The city is rich in colonial-era structures from at least the 17th century: the cathedral in the great Zocalo area and the Sagrario in churrigueresco style; the elaborately worked Guadalupe church and the Pocito capella; monasteries, churches, palaces such as the National palace or the palace of the Mines. After the eclecticism of the 19th century, a movement of innovation emerged, starting from 1920-1930, with modern architects and murals such as Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros. In 1949 the construction of the new university site began; The most distinctive structure of the site is the central library made by Gustavo Saavedra, Juan Martinez de Valesco and Juan O’Gorman. In 1964, Mario Pani performed the La Plaza de Las Tres Culturas, which included the ruins of the Tlatelolco Aztec ceremonial center. The Siqueiros cultural polyforum was opened in 1971. The National Museum of Anthropology (El Museo Nacional de Anthropología) within Chapultepec park was designed by Pedro Ramires Vasquez in 1963-64. Extraordinary collections from the pre-Columbian era and locals are on display here. Among the important museums of Mexico, one should mention the National History Museum, the Royal Regency Painting Museum, the Academy of San Carlos and the Palace Museum of Fine Arts (Mexico).

Mexico City carries those fine lines of prosperity and misery. That is why there is always a challenge in its streets, streets, buildings.

Mexico City is proud of its history and proud of its present. His pride is a bit morbid, but that too is balanced by dignity.

Zocala, the heart of the city, makes you feel all the details, accompanied by plain, non-commercial images. From Aztecs to Spanish colonists, from large buildings to barracks, they want to see everything at once.

On Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard, he compares you with agile (as in Spanish) human landscapes. Then, it asks you to wander the streets bearing the names of European cities (Hamburgo, Londres, Florencia, etc.).

Mexico City is a city divided into delegaciones (regions) and colonias (suburbs). He also says with some pride that wandering around some of his colanias is “dangerous”. It is actually challenging.

Attractions
Mexico City is a combination of the Aztec civilization, the Spanish colonial period, and modern art and architecture. Zocalo Square is the center of the city. The Presidential Palace (famous for Diego Rivera’s murals) and the Metropolitan Cathedral decorate both sides of the Square.

Centro Historica (Historic Center) is also in the center of the city. It is a region built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the capital of Aztec civilization. The Mayor Temple is one of the most important works of the Aztec period and is still standing. Be sure to see the Mayor’s Temple Museum. There are also many historical artifacts from the Spanish colonial period in Centro Historica.

Alameda, also near Zocalo, is a region famous for its sculptures and fountains. There are many museums in the area.

Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard connects Centro Historica with Chapultepec Park. The boulevard is decorated with many sculptures. Chapultepec is Mexico City’s largest park. There are many museums in the park. The Anthropology Museum is world famous.
The Aztec pyramids in the north of the city are also must-see places. You have to take a day off.

You can also visit Leon Trotsky’s house, now a museum, in Coyoacan, where he spent the last 4 years. Many famous artists also have houses in Coyoacan, which are now museums.