Historical & Cultural Landmarks in Mexico

Puebla’s strategic location, on a major transportation corridor, permitted the exportation of its regional style of Baroque architecture. The urban design of the historic center, based on a Renaissance grid plan, has exerted a considerable influence on the creation of colonial cities across Mexico.

Zacatecas reached the height of its prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Founded in 1546 after the discovery of a rich silver lode and built on the steep slopes of a narrow valley, the town has breathtaking views along with many historic buildings, both religious and civil.

Campeche is a typical example of a harbor town from the Spanish colonial period in the New World. The historic center has kept its outer walls and system of fortifications, designed to defend this Caribbean port against attacks from the sea.

The Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro is located in Querétaro City, in central Mexico. It is an exceptional example of a colonial town whose layout symbolizes its multi-ethnic population. It is also endowed with a wealth of outstanding buildings, notably from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Tlacotalpan, a Spanish colonial river port on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, was founded in the mid-16th century. It has preserved its original urban fabric to a remarkable degree; with wide streets, colonnaded houses in a profusion of styles and colors as well as public spaces and gardens.

Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver extraction center in the 18th century. The town's fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico.

The Hospicio Cabañas, located in Guadalajara, was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadvantaged. This remarkable complex, which incorporates several unusual features designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, was unique for its time.

The House and Studio of architect Luis Barragán, built in 1948, represent an outstanding example of the architect’s creative work in the post-Second World War period. Barragán created a regional adaptation of the International Modern Movement in architectural design.

The holy city of Teotihuacán was built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D. and is characterized by the vast size of its monuments. As one of the most powerful cultural centers in Mesoamerica, Teotihuacán extended its cultural and artistic influence throughout the region and even beyond.

San Miguel de Allende acted as a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences while the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco constitutes an exceptional example of the exchange between European and Latin American cultures.