The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, also known as UNAM, is Mexico’s largest public university, one of the most recognized universities in Latin America and a source of much national pride. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, the Central University City Campus (Ciudad Universitaria) is located southwest of the historic center in the city’s Coyoacán borough. The campus was constructed between 1949 and 1952 by more than 60 architects, engineers and artists. According to whc.unesco.org;
“The campus constitutes a unique example of 20th-century modernism integrating urbanism, architecture, engineering, landscape design and fine arts with references to local traditions, especially to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past. The ensemble embodies social and cultural values of universal significance and is one of the most significant icons of modernity in Latin America.” Read more
The ruins at El Tajin in northern Veracruz state are a top attraction along Mexico’s central Gulf Coast. The name Tajin means “thunder” in Totonac and El Tajin was an important ceremonial and administrative center until it was abandoned around 1200 A.D. The roughly 10 square km archaeological site is home to the ruins of ancient platforms, pyramids, temples and ball courts. El Tajin’s most impressive structure, the Pyramid of the Niches (Pirámide de los Nichos), originally featured 365 niches and archaeologists believe it may have been used as a calendar. The Totonac rite of the voladores, a ceremonial ritual and dance, is performed several times a day near the site entrance. El Tajin was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Read more
Uxmal was once the capital of an ancient Maya civilization located in the Yucatán’s Puuc region. The city flourished from 700-1000 A.D. It’s puuc-style architecture features many intricate carvings and geometric mosaics. Stucco masks depicting the rain god Chac adorn many of the buildings, not surprising given the scarcity of water in this region. It is speculated that the severe drought conditions led to the abandonment of the site around 1000 A.D. Today, Uxmal is home to a population of enormous iguanas, some nearly the size of a small dog. They’re everywhere, sunning themselves on the ancient structures and it’s possible to get within a few feet of the giant creatures before they retreat back into hiding. Uxmal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Read more
The city of Campeche on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a perfect example of a typical colonial-era Spanish harbor town. Situated right on the waterfront, Campeche’s historic center is beautifully restored and remains surrounded by a 2.5 km hexagon of bulwarks. Buildings throughout the historic center are painted bright shades of pastels and trimmed in white. Campeche’s central plaza is a popular gathering place, as is the city’s palm-lined pedestrian pathway, or malecón. Both are sources of pride for local residents and the city was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. Read more
One of the new seven wonders of the world, Chichén Itzá is the most famous and best restored of the archaeological sites on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The 25m high El Castillo, also called the Pyramid of Kulkulcán, is one of Chichén Itzá’s most impressive structures and a massive stone representation of the Maya calendar. The architecture at Chichén Itzá is unique in that blends the style and traditions of the Toltecs from Mexico’s central highlands with that of the Maya. Toltec warriors are represented in the doorway carvings at the top of the main pyramid. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to view the carvings as visitors are no longer permitted to climb the structures. Chichén Itzá was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
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