Whether you’re simply passing through or planning a 24-hour trip, Mexico City has plenty of iconic sights to stop and see. One problem with having such limited time in the capital city of Mexico? Narrowing down what’s worth doing and what’s simply not worthy of your time.
The Templo Mayor shaped Mexico more than 600 years ago, in what was called Tenochtitlan. This was the capital city of the Aztec Empire. Other museums in Mexico City include the National Art Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum. The Templo Mayor far exceeds both of these, and any other museum in Mexico City, as it combines access to artifacts with the archaeological site they were found.
The Templo Mayor was the main temple and most important building to the folks living in Tenochtitlan during that period. A creepy bit of history about the Aztecs was that they were known for making human sacrifices. These days, human sacrifices are thought of as a sinister act, but back then it was normalized in the Templo Mayor. There are also two pyramids standing, each honoring a different god.
Huitzilopochtli was worshipped as the god of war, while Tlaloc was believed to be the god of rain and agriculture in ancient Aztec culture. Even though the pyramids don’t reach as high as the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacan, which are also near Mexico City, they still stand tall. You’ll also gain access to some of the most eye-catching artifacts of all time.
Expect to see amazing pieces of the Aztec Empire at the Templo Mayor
Visiting the Templo Mayor doesn’t mean you’ll only lay eyes on one of Mexico’s most historical sights. You’ll also get up close and personal with ancient artifacts that showcase how one of the most powerful empires in history lived. It might feel uncomfortably strange to look at, but some of the instruments used in human sacrifices are on display. The South side of the museum tells the story of Huitzilopochtli in the eyes of the Aztecs.
Anyone looking for the calmer side of the Templo Mayor and the Aztec Empire will enjoy visiting the North side of the museum, which honors Tlaloc. There’s also plenty of other artifacts that were used in everyday life for the Aztecs.
The Monolith of Tlaltecuhtli is the largest of its kind from the Aztec Empire. It’s on full display at the Templo Mayor. This monolith stands 14 feet tall and is still somehow in perfect condition. In total, there are eight different rooms to explore at the Templo Mayor. Even if you aren’t a history buff, you’ll likely still marvel at what you can admire at the Templo Mayor.
Why the Templo Mayor is perfect for a day trip
One of the reasons the Templo Mayor is an ideal stop for someone with limited time in Mexico City is because it’s extremely easy to get to. It’s in the middle of Mexico City at the Plaza de la Constitucion. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The adventure costs roughly $5 USD for adults and it’s free for anyone under 13.
Be wary that most of the information is written in Spanish, so you may need to bust out Google Translate at some point if you aren’t a fluent speaker. It’s also important to note that visiting on a Sunday is a bad idea. On Sundays, free entry is offered to local residents currently living in Mexico, which means the museum gets incredibly crowded.
Again, this is the perfect attraction for someone who only has one day in Mexico City. You can spend as much or as little time at the attraction for a fairly cheap rate while staying in the heart of the city. Thanks to its close proximity to Templo Mayor and its flavorful menu, grabbing a bite at a Michelin-Star taco stand called El Califa de León is a smart choice in Mexico City.
It’s easy to focus on an excursion like swimming with the turtles in Mexico. However, it’s worth taking time to learn more about the history of the Aztec Empire the next time you’re in town.
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