Overview

Mexico City embraces the 21st century as the country's capital and undisputed hub of commerce, while resting on its ancient heritage as Tenochtitl�n, capital of the Aztec empire. With over 23 million residents, Mexico City claims the title of world's largest city. It sits in a high valley (alt. over 7300') surrounded by mountains. While evidence of farm villages in the area dates to 1500 BC, the main predecessor goes back to the 1300s, when the Aztecs established a capital on an island in Lake Texcoco. In 1521, Spanish invaders conquered and destroyed the city and then built Mexico City on the ruins. Lake Texcoco had no natural drainage and was subject to floods, so after 30,000 people died in flooding in 1629, Spaniards drained the lake. Today, Mexico City wears many faces, as seen at the Plaza of Three Cultures, where a modern office building, a cathedral from the colonial period, and an Aztec pyramid stand witness to daily life. Many historic landmarks, excavated Aztec ruins, and important government buildings can be found near Z�calo (Constitution Plaza), the city's chief plaza. Adjacent are partially excavated remains of the Templo Mayor (Great Temple), one-time center of religious life in the Aztec capital, and an adjoining museum displays items that testify to the splendor of that civilization. Alameda Central, the city's oldest park, is also the location of the city's Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). Many national museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropolog�a and the Museo Nacional de Arte preserve the country's past and present for visitors to enjoy. A wealth of first class restaurants and trendy night spots also dot the city, from the upscale Polanco district to the Centro Hist�rico area. Shoppers make regular pilgrimages to Bazar S�bado (Saturday Bazaar) at Plaza San Jacinto and Mercado Insurgentes in the Zona Rosa district, both excellent sources of handicrafts, and to the modern Centro Santa Fe on the city's west side.

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