Historical monuments in Mexico are an essential part of the culture and history of the country. They are also an integral part of the modern day landscape of Mexico. There are many different types of monuments found throughout the country, from the ancient to the contemporary. The list below provides an overview of some of the most popular historical monuments in Mexico.
El Tajin
El Tajin is an archaeological site in Veracruz, Mexico. Originally a city, it was a center of ceremonial importance. It was once inhabited for at least 8,000 years.
Today, the site is under the custody of the National Institute of Anthropology and History. The monuments are protected under the Mexican Federal Law on Monuments of 1972.
El Tajin was a center of civilization between the eras of the Classic Veracruz civilization and the Aztecs. During its prime, the city had an estimated population of 15,000 to 20,000. This was an ideal location for farming tobacco, maize, and cacao. However, the city’s growth was interrupted by a battle in the 13th century and it was later abandoned.
After the decline, the site continued to serve as a burial ground for the residents. Over the centuries, the monuments of El Tajin have survived virtually unaltered.
The Pyramid of the Niches is the best-known structure at El Tajin. The pyramid features 365 deep-set niches. Some scholars have suggested that the niches represent Mesoamerican solar calendars.
Another interesting monument at El Tajin is the Juego de Pelota Sur. The court is decorated with carvings of ritualistic games and human sacrifice.
Archaeologists have found over a dozen ball courts in El Tajin. A larger three-level platform building was constructed on the north-west hill. Building 19 has four stairways to the top.
Building 16 features rudimentary niches. Perhaps the most famous game court is the South Ballcourt. On its interior walls, six relief carvings depict a baseball ceremony.
Copalita
Copalita historical monument in Mexico is a site worth a visit. It is one of the oldest Zapotec archaeological sites located in Huatulco. The ruins are a mix of ancient structures and more modern ones. While the site has not been completely excavated, it is believed to have been occupied as early as 500 BCE.
The name “copalita” derived from the copal, a tree resin used in ceremonies. This is a common substance in Mesoamerican cultures. Other items associated with the site include a ceremonial lighthouse and a pre-Hispanic lighthouse.
Although there aren’t too many tourists in the area, the ruins are well-preserved. You’ll find a pre-Hispanic lighthouse, a ball court and remnants of pyramids. They are all within a 10-minute drive of the town center and a short drive from the hotel zone.
There is also a more recent site in the area, the Eco-Archeological Park of Copalita. The park was opened in 2010 after a multi-million-dollar construction effort. In fact, it is the first public park in the area.
It may be no surprise that the eco-archeological park is in the same neighborhood as the famous Pyramid of the Sun. However, the Eco-Archeological Park of the Copalita is much different than the plethora of other archeological sites in the region.
Among the ruins you’ll also find a museum that explains the history of the area, and the various artifacts found at the site. For the best experience, you’ll want to take your time and enjoy the site.
Ik-Kil cenote
The Ik-Kil cenote is a historic monument located in Mexico. This underground lake is over 40 meters deep and is considered to be sacred by the Mayans. It is located near Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can find a number of different bird species in the cenote. These include toucans, cardinals, and parrots. There are also some exotic plants growing in the cenote.
Besides the beautiful plant life, there are some historical artifacts in the area. Archaeologists have found human bones and jewelry in the depths of the cenote. In fact, it is believed that this cenote was the place where human sacrifices were performed.
The Ik-Kil cenote is open from 9am to 5pm. Guests can pay cash at the ticket booth. However, credit cards are not accepted.
Visiting the Ik-Kil cenote can be a thrilling experience. A number of platforms are carved out of limestone to provide jumping opportunities. For a small fee, you can rent a lifejacket.
You can also go cliff diving in the cenote. The water is crystal clear. Several species of fish are common in the Ik-Kil cenote.
The Ik-Kil cenote makes a great place to swim and relax. The water is clear and cool. When you’re done swimming, you can visit the cafe. The menu offers traditional dishes from the region. Xtabentun, a typical drink from the region, is available for purchase.
Juarez Theater
The Juarez Theatre in Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico. It is located in the city center of Guanajuato. This building is a major tourist attraction and is a must-see for visitors to the city.
This magnificent building was constructed in the late nineteenth century. General Florencio Antillon, an associate of President Benito Juarez, began the construction of the theater. He envisioned the theatre as a proof of civilization.
In a nutshell, the Teatro Juarez is a Neoclassical architecture, with a unique entrance. On the outside, the building has Doric columns. The interior is decorated with a neoclassical, Oriental-inspired style. The theater is filled with plush velvet seats.
At the time of its construction, the city of Guanajuato was a major silver mining area. In 1873, General Florencio Antillon laid the first stone of the Teatro.
Today, the theater is a major tourist destination in the city. It is also the home of the International Film Festival of Guanajuato. There are regular guided tours in Spanish.
The building has a number of statues on the facade. These are believed to represent Greek muses.
The Teatro Juarez is a large structure with twelve stately pillars. It has an elaborately carved wood lobby. From the lobby, you can enjoy views of the bustling Jardin de la Union. You can also access the Monumento al Pipila, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Museo Casa de Villa
If you’re looking for historical monuments in Mexico, there are several to choose from. One of the best is the Villa Corral Museum, which was restored by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The museum is located in the former home of Francisco “Pancho” Villa. It’s one of the most visited buildings in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Visitors can see the original furnishings and the car Villa rode in when he was assassinated in 1923. A bullet-ridden Dodge automobile is also displayed.
The Villa Museum contains a large collection of memorabilia, including letters, rifles and pistols, saddles, and a bullet-ridden car. It also features the sabers, swords, and guns that were used by Villa in combat missions.
Several permanent rooms display photos and graphics that tell the story of General Villa. Visitors can also view the house’s two courtyards, which were created to separate homeowners. An additional courtyard was built to hold carriages and stables.
Another building in the museum is the Obregon Monument. This stairwell-style building contains a large collection of sculptures. These sculptures include a great eagle, the Eagle of Mexico City, and the Allegory of Triumph. There is a marble copy of an embalmed arm of Obregon, which is displayed here in place of the actual one.
You can also visit the Museo Casa de Juarez. It features information on the military campaign and the government that ran from this building in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Tulum’s National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology is a great place to visit if you are looking for information on ancient cultures. It focuses on pre-Columbian history and includes Mayan and Toltec art as well as the artifacts of the Spanish conquest.
There are many different exhibitions at the museum. Some of the highlights include the Sun Stone, a massive stone disk allegedly crafted by the Aztecs. A 22-ton Aztec calendar, which features the history of the world, is also on display.
This museum is free to the public on Sundays, and 65 pesos for foreign visitors. If you are looking for a little more, you can also buy a ticket for a concert. Visitors can also take advantage of free lockers to store their bags.
The museum is divided into two sections: the archeology section and the ethnology section. The first floor houses the archaeological displays. The second is for the ethnography. In the archaeological halls, the exhibits are displayed in chronological order, and there are also thematic exhibitions.
The National Museum of Anthropology has a total of 23 exhibition rooms. There are also outdoor and indoor exhibit areas. The best way to see the museum is from the north wing of the building.
There are a number of different exhibits within the museum, such as the Colossal Olmec Head, the Jade mask of the Bat God Camazotz, and a recreation of Pakal’s tomb. You can also see a model of the original Aztec capital.