Landmarks and Monuments in Mexico

The pyramids of Mexico are very popular with tourists.

Since Mexico is so rich with history, archeologists and thousands of tourists are drawn to the country every year. Outlying sites such as the 13th-century Paquimé ruins in northern Mexico and the Kulkulcan Pyramid in the Yucatan in the south complement the many landmarks and monuments to be found in Mexico City, including the National Palace monument, Chapultepec Castle and the Monumento a la Independencia.

Chapultepec Castle

Built during the 14th century when the king of Texcoco demanded the construction of a huge palace, the landmark known as Chapultepec Castle is currently one of Mexico City's most popular tourist destinations. Located in Chapultepec Park, this castle sits 7,268 feet above sea level and contains a staircase festooned with marble lions, a dining room area outfitted with a 40-foot-long dining table, and its own watchtower, known as Caballero Alto. In February of 1939, Mexican President Lazaro Cardenas made the Chapultepec Castle the seat of the National Museum of History for preservation purposes.

Chapultepec Castle
Mexico City
mexicocity.com

The Temple of Kukulca

The Kukulcan pyramid is located in the peninsula of Yucatan. This monument stands a little over 82 feet in total height and was built in approximately 800 a.d. This pyramid contains nine main platforms, which some archeologists believe represent the 18 months of the Mayan calendar; other scientists, however, question this belief. Strange chirping noises sometime occur when tourists visiting the pyramid clap their hands at the base of the staircases. This is thought to happen because of the echoes rebounding from the hundreds of steps located at the mouth of the monument.

The Temple of Kukulca
72 Miles Southeast of Merida
Mexico
world-mysteries.com

Monumento a la Independencia

Formally known as the Monumento a la Independencia, the 150-foot-tall structure located at the de la Reforma town square in downtown Mexico City was dubbed "El Angel" a few years after it was constructed. Built to commemorate the centennial of Mexico's War of Independence, the monument features four bronze statues that are used as symbols depicting peace, law, war and justice. The monument contains a structure made out of steel and hard stone and is festooned with garlands and palms. Names of notable Mexican generals and politicians are engraved at the bottom of the monument.

Monumento a la Independencia
de la Reforma
Mexico City, Mexico

The National Palace

First constructed in 1563 and then renamed in 1821 after much reconstruction work was completed on the main building, the National Palace is a popular landmark. The original structure resembled a much more foreboding fortress-like exterior before fires destroyed much of building. Architect Diego Valverde added more intricate stonework and open-face windows to the building in 1692 while reconstructing the palace, lending a much friendlier and inviting ambiance to the building. Residents of the National Palace in the past have included all of the viceroys that once ruled Mexico for Spain as well as Mexico's first president, Guadalupe Victoria.

The National Palace
Plaza de la Constitucion
Mexico City, Mexico

Paquime Ruins

Situated around northwestern Mexico in Chihuahua, the pre-Columbian ruins of Paquimé contain the foundations of structures built in the early 13th century. These sophisticated buildings, which collapsed completely in the 15th century due to harsh weather conditions and lack of upkeep, were once social beacons to people living as far away as Texas. The Paquimé people created very elaborate jewelry, raised pets such as birds and cats, manufactured steel products and developed a sophisticated trade network. Visitors to this Mexican landmark can examine the ancient ruins' T-shaped doorways, sleeping areas, structural supports and intact wall structures. These ruins have been designated as one of Mexico's 25 World Heritage sites.

Paquimé Ruins
Chihuahua, Mexico

References

• Chapultepec Castle
• The Temple of Kukulcan
• Visit Mexico

Resources

• Landmarks of Mexico