Templo Mayor Museum, Ciudad de México, Mexico
Having found my hotel I now had the afternoon to explore the centre. First I tried to find the Templo Mayor excavation site. Although I could see the outer perimeter fence I couldnt find the way in.
Instead I started at the Palacio Nacional. This is a complex of Government buildings so you have to go thru security, leave a piece of ID, and your bags. Entry is free however.
You need some time to navigate and explore the complex and the different exhibits. First is a museum depicting the history of the city from the Aztecs to the Europeans.
There was more to see of the European history as the Aztec would be explored in the Templo Mayor site nearby.
Aside from traditional colonial rooms, there was a library, conference hall, and parliament chamber. A main feature is the large mural staircase and wrap around mural terrace.
I considered this to be more of a museum of 'cultural genocide' considering what the local peoples endured.
In the northern part of the Zocalo you could walk around the exterior of the Templo Mayor site. I still couldnt figure how to get in till I saw a staircase leading down
Entrance was 75P ($5) and you have to leave your bag and food with the cloakroom. From the interior the site is actually much larger then it appears from the outside.
There are many lower passages leading around to different parts of the site. In one covered section is original painted artwork.
You are then led to a large museum only accessible from inside the site. It was quite large on several floors housing more exhibits and artifacts.
Considering this is right in the centre of the city the site is worth seeing and rich in treasures to see. Finally I made my way to the main cathedral adjacent which is a landmark of the Zocalo square.
2025-05-23