Historical & Cultural Landmarks in Mexico

Centro Histórico: Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco, World Heritage Site

Centro Histórico, the historic center of Mexico City, is the heart of the Mexican capital. Focused on the Zócalo and extending in all directions, historic landmarks include the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palace of Fine Arts. Built on the site of a pre-Columbian town, Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens.

Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatépetl, World Heritage Site (Mexico)

These 14 monasteries stand on the slopes of Popocatépetl to the southeast of Mexico City. They are in an excellent state of conservation and are good examples of the architectural style adopted by the first missionaries who converted the indigenous populations to Christianity in the early 16th century.

Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro, World Heritage Site (Mexico)

The five Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda were built during the last phase of the conversion to Christianity of the interior of Mexico in the mid-18th century. The richly decorated church facades represent the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and the indigenous people of the Americas.

Historic Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán, World Heritage Site (Mexico)

Inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples; the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Albán are the symbols of a sacred topography. The nearby city of Oaxaca, which is built on a grid pattern, is an example of Spanish colonial town planning.