People often ask me if I have a favorite place that I have visited. I don't because I honestly find something priceless and unique about every location I travel to. That said, there are places I have visited that impact me in such a special way that I can envision myself living there. That list is short and Mexico City is unquestionably on it.
Some interesting facts about Mexico City (also known as CDMX or Ciudad de Mexico):
1) The word "mexico" is not Spanish. It comes from three Nahuatl words. Metztli which means "moon", xictli which means "bellybutton" and co meaning "place." Together, the name Mexico translates to "bellybutton of the moon."
Templo Mayor
2) Mexico City is built atop the former city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the mighty Aztec empire. The picture above shows the excavated ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple in the former city of Tenochtitlan. CDMX is also built atop a sinking lake, causing it to sink between 30-40 centimeters yearly.
3) CDMX is both the oldest (founded in 1325) and the highest (7,350 feet) city on the North American continent.
4) With approximately 22 million inhabitants, it's the most populous city in the western hemisphere.
5) There are more American expats living in Mexico City than in any other city on Earth. Given how I feel about CDMX, I may just join their ranks one day.
Mexico City has so much to offer such as its rich history dating back to its founding and before. The following are some additional examples of its distinctiveness, in no particular order.
I found the architecture simply gorgeous and was impressed by the range of styles which included Pre-hispanic, Classic, Modern and Contemporary. Not only was the impressive architecture visible in well known sites, it was also evident in quotidian structures. Take for example the door to this residential building on Calle Venustiano Carranza, pictured above.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Or in the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes, a venue in CDMX that hosts exhibitions, performing arts and literature events. While its exterior showcases Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles, the interior is primarily Art Deco.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
CDMX also has beautiful cathedrals including this, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, or El Sagrario Metropolitano.
The cathedral incorporates Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical styles.
An up close look better illustrates the detail in the sculptures and columns of the building's façade, ...
... as well as the door.
El Sagrario Metropolitano
Inside you will find more ornate sculptures and columns, as well as paintings, furniture and two of the largest organs in the Americas.
Ottoman Clock
Throughout the city you will find unexpected treasures like this ornate clock gifted to Mexico by the Ottoman Empire as a show of gratitude for the city's long history of welcoming Arab migrants. It is known to locals as the Arabic, Lebanese, or Turkish Clock.
Mercado de la Merced
Mexico City is also known for its markets, of which there are many. The largest and one of the oldest is Mercado de la Merced, which has been operating since the 18th century.
The city also has beautiful parks ...
... fountains ...
Museo National de las Culturas del Mundo
... museums ...
... sculptures and ...
... monuments.
Ángel de la Independencia
Perhaps the most famous monument and symbol of CDMX is El Ángel or the Monumento a la Independencia (Independence Monument). This monument was constructed in 1910 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Mexico's independence. Thus, the statue is topped with a golden sculpture of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike.
The sculptures at the bottom of the statue represent justice, peace, law and war. The statue's base originally had nine steps, but since the city is sinking, as I mentioned above, an additional 14 steps were subsequently added.
Mexico City Metro
Another aspect of CDMX that I appreciate is their transportation system which is comprehensive, organized, easy to navigate, ...
... clean, quiet and safe (as compared to most other public transportation systems I have experienced). There's a lot the U.S. could learn from this, in my opinion. Food for thought until my next post.
Speaking of food, up next is my favorite thing about Mexico City - the food! There was so much good food that I will have to cover my favorite dining experiences over the course of several posts. I'm also excited to share about great bars, activities and adventures including a hot air balloon ride I took over the pyramids. I'll see you soon.
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