Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

World Heritage

Mexico

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Mexico City was built by the Spanish in the 16th century on the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and is now one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. The city contains five Aztec temples whose ruins have been identified, a cathedral (the largest on the continent) and some fine 19th and 20th century public buildings, such as the Palace of Fine Arts. Xochimilco is 28 km south of Mexico City. Xochimilco's numerous canals and artificial islands bear witness to the Aztecs' efforts to build a homeland in a harsh environment. Xochimilco's unique urban and rural architecture, built in the 16th century and during the colonial period, is well preserved.