Ciudad Universitaria

Ciudad Universitaria (University City), the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), is located in the southern part of Mexico City.

Designed by architects Mario Pani and Enrique del Moral, it encloses the Olympic Stadium, about 40 faculties and institutes, the Cultural Center, an ecological reserve, the Central Library and various museums.

The ensemble of Ciudad Universitaria's buildings, sports facilities and open spaces was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 entitled: Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

The Central University City Campus of UNAM constitutes a unique example of 20th-century modernism integrating urbanism, architecture, engineering, landscape design and fine arts with references to local traditions, especially to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past.

UNESCO goes on to say that the ensemble embodies social and cultural values of universal significance and is one of the most significant icons of modernity in Latin America.

Ciudad Universitaria was built on an ancient solidified lava bed to replace the scattered downtown buildings in Mexico City where classes were given. It was built from 1949 to 1952 by more than 60 architects, engineers and artists at a cost of approximately $25 million. At the time of its completion, it was the largest single construction project in Mexico since the Aztecs.

Due to its topography and vegetation, there are very few straight roads or paths. The volcanic rock was removed to make room for the buildings and it was used to make pathways and outer walls. Roads tend to be concentric circuits with buildings located within them. Some buildings can only be reached by a short 5- to 10-minute walk.

Buildings themselves are made with common materials, concrete and brick are most common, and usually have big windows and gardens, both inside and outside. Most buildings have only two to three floors. Gardens and volcanic rock are a common theme across most buildings, with some notable exceptions.

The Rectorate Tower and Central Library are somewhat isolated tall, square buildings adorned by murals made by famous Mexican muralists David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O'Gorman, respectively.

The Central Libray mural is recognized as the largest mural in the world. Based on Aztec and Spanish motifs and UNAM's coat of arms, makes it Ciudad Universitaria's most iconic building.