Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

The ancient city of Tenochtitlan was attacked by the Spaniards, but upon its ruins was built the great Mexico City. The City of Mexico is one of the largest metropolis in the world and is home to almost 9 million inhabitants. It was established in the 1300s as Tenochtitlan, when Aztecs found an eagle eating a snake upon a cactus. The city has changed names over time but its long legacy carries much history and a witness of the Aztec-Spanish encounter that has shaped this country. One of the major landmarks of the city is the Palacio de Bellas Artes or Palace of Arts. It is still used as a museum and a theater today. 

The palace has ongoing art exhibits, as well as a bookstore inside it. It is located 5 blocks away from the city center, making it a major cultural center of the country. Here's a temporary exhibit just outside it. 

 The inside of the palace is also home to many different art works related to Mexican history. It also houses exhibits of contemporary art.

 The cupola of the palace is easily recognizable. It is HUGE.

  The center of the city has different building from different eras. Many buildings bear a more traditional style, while other buildings are more recent. Nevertheless, all buildings mesh together into a tight testimony of the contrasts in the city.

 The main city plaza is also called El Zocalo. It is one of the biggest city squares in the world. The square has a waving Mexican flag that stands tall in between the Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Mexico City Hall.

 The Cathedral is right across the square. Construction began on 1573, yet it was not concluded until the 1800s. It faces south and bears a Baroque style façade.

 The cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Americas. It was built on the ruins of the main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan, as a symbol of Christianity winning over the religious traditions of the natives. The Zocalo was also a main plaza for Aztecs to meet and have cultural activities.

The inside of the cathedral is very impressive. There is a tour of the towers which starts every half an hour. I strongly recommend it. 

 Because of its size, the square serves as an artistic venue and also the location for many protest and other significant cultural events. Many artists have performed here for free and have broken records of attendance to their concerts.