Review: Templo Mayor
Photos
Tell me: What’s this place about?
Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Incredibly, the push to excavate the temple didn't occur until the late 1970s. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico.
What’s it like being there?
Embedded in the blueprint of downtown, and somewhat consumed by the scrum of the streets and surrounding buildings, it's hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory. Fortunately, the open-air archeological site has a nicely organized museum right behind it. The various artifacts and renderings of the great city of Tenochtitlán contained within make it easier to picture.
Is there a guide involved?
You can walk through the ruins on gated pathways which lead to the museum (additional entry fee is required). There are guides who speak fluent English.
Who comes here?
Both Mexican and international tourists, many of whom are dedicated followers of archeology and history.
Did it meet expectations?
The site is an amazing palimpsest—cathedrals built on top of temples, built on top of earlier temples, now surrounded by a modern, throbbing metropolis.
So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for?
If you are interested in the history of Mexico City, Templo Mayor is a nice way to while away an afternoon.
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