Templo Mayor: A Deep Dive into Aztec History

Name: Templo Mayor
Address: 8, Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, 06060, MX
Rating: 4.8

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Templo Mayor: A Deep Dive into Aztec History

Overview

Templo Mayor, a remarkable remnant of Aztec civilization, once stood as a central religious site in Tenochtitlan. Dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, this great temple was built around 1325 and eventually fell to European conquest in 1521. While the temple was buried beneath colonial structures, archaeological excavations beginning in the 20th century revealed its significance. The 1978 discovery of a circular monolith honoring the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui underscored its crucial role in Aztec cosmology, believed to be at the center of their universe. Today, the Museo del Templo Mayor offers an enriching experience, showcasing models, artifacts, and the stunning monolith itself. Visitors can explore different construction phases, view sacrificial stones, and appreciate exquisite sculptures, including a recently unearthed stone depicting Tlaltechuhtli, the earth goddess. Templo Mayor stands not just as an archaeological site but as a powerful symbol of Mexico's vibrant heritage.

Reviews

Miguel Romero

Mexico

From the street, the site may seem like just a pile of rocks, but once you step inside, the intricate details and informative signage are impressive. There are two museums: a smaller one at the entrance with artifacts and basic information, and a larger, modern museum at the back featuring spectacular organization and exhibits. We spent about 1.5 hours exploring, though we could have easily stayed longer.

Sofia Vasquez

Mexico

I was pleasantly surprised by this! The museum was much larger than I anticipated, and the ruins appeared smaller from the outside. It was amazing to walk through the various layers of construction. I spent over 2 hours exploring both the ruins and the museum.

Luis Guerra

Mexico

An intriguing site located right in the city center. While guides are available, you can easily navigate on your own with the plentiful signage. The museum is well-maintained, comfortable, and displays a fascinating history of the site’s construction over time. Entrance was only $100 pesos per person, and the museum also has clean bathrooms.

Diego Pérez

Mexico

For anyone fascinated by the history of ancient civilizations or Aztec culture, this museum is a must-see. The artifacts and the rich cultural history on display are truly compelling. We spent over 2 hours touring the uncovered temple ruins and the museum. Highly recommend visiting if you're in Mexico City and want to learn more about the history of the area.

Claudia Romero

Mexico

Once the heart of the Aztec Empire, this site was renamed Mexico City after the Spanish conquest. Not much is visible from the outside due to extensive destruction. However, the indoor museum at the back is incredibly large and detailed. It showcases how the temple's floors were eventually layered over time to protect against flooding and how the temple itself was expanded through the centuries.