The true monuments of antiquity in Mexico are the pyramids. There are many of them in the country, but only a few are available for viewing. Many pyramids are buried under the cultural layer and covered with dense tropical vegetation, so they are just green hills. Most pyramids are multi-layered structures: the oldest one is inside, and above it there are several later superstructures and claddings.
According to computerminus, the most famous and probably the most ancient are the pyramids of Teotihuacan, near Mexico City. Teotihuacan (translated as “a place where people communicate with the gods”) is the most ancient and mysterious of all the open cities of preclassical America.
During the time of Ancient Rome, it had 200 thousand inhabitants. By the end of the first millennium AD, the city was deserted, its temples and houses were destroyed. The two largest pyramids have survived – the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, as well as the temple of the most popular of the Mexican gods – Quetzalcoatl, who personified a good and bright beginning. Another impressive group of pyramids – the pyramids of Mitle and Monte Alban – is located near the city of Oaxaca. Treasures discovered already in the 20th century in the burial under N7 are one of the richest archaeological finds in the world. Some of these treasures – Aztec gold jewelry depicting the god of death, the sun, the ball game and others – are on display at the Museum of Oaxaca.
The largest pyramid of all known on earth is located in the city of Cholula, 100 km from the Mexican capital. Today, this pyramid is a hill overgrown with forest, on top of which rises a Catholic church. Thus, the Spaniards marked their superiority over the ancient Indian civilization.
Numerous pyramid temples and sacred wells into which the Indians threw gold ornaments also exist on the plains of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the civilization of the Maya Indians developed. There are ruins (ruins) of several ancient city-states in the Yucatan. Among them are the pyramids at Palenque and the ancient observatory at Chichen Itza.
The main historical centers and sights of Mexico:
- Mexico City – National Historical and Anthropological Museums, Museums of Modern Art and Natural History, Siqueiros Polyforum, Azteca Stadium.
- Villa Hermosa – the museums of Tobasco and La Venta, the National Cathedral of the 16th century, the square of three cultures, the zoo, the Chapultepec castle, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.
- Guadalajara – a cathedral with a fresco by E. Murillo, the governor’s palace.
- Merida – a collection of exhibits of the Mayan era, the ruins of the Mayan city, the cathedral of the XVI century.
- Acapulco – hotels and casinos.
- Monterrey – Plaza Zaragoza, cathedral of 1600, episcopal palace of the 18th century.
- Teotiucama – the ancient city of the Aztecs with the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, 34 km from the capital
- Xkaret is an area that was once the most important ceremonial center of the Mayan tribes. Today there is a beautiful archaeological park here, you can relax, swimming with dolphins, look at huge sea turtles, sharks, crocodiles.
- Tulum and Chel-ha are the first Mayan settlements discovered in the 26th century by the Spanish conquerors. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, among crystal clear waters and natural pools. Chel-ha is a place where you can go snorkeling while watching the life of marine life.
- Chichen Itza is a place formerly called the capital of the Mayan Empire. The sights of Chichen Itza are a cultural heritage of world importance.
- Cozumel Island is the largest coral reef island in the Caribbean Sea. The island is one of the most important points through which cruisers and ships from around the world pass. Good conditions for diving.
- Island of Women (Isla Mujeres) – the island has been known since pirate times. It is located a 45-minute drive from Cancun Seaport. The transfer takes place on two boats, on board of which there is a free bar and a buffet. The Garrofon National Park is arranged on the island. It is possible to swim with equipment, which is rented for a fee.
