The Mexican Republic is known as one of the top holiday destinations for outdoors and sea lovers, boasting heavenly beaches, incredible natural landscapes and parks, and numerous archeological sites, but it also offers exceptional chances to delve into its passionating history. Mexico’s rich cultural past is still alive in the several beautifully preserved colonial cities spread all over the country’s vast territory. Their artistic, architectural and historical value is so important that many of the historical places in Mexico have been awarded ‘’World Heritage Cities” by UNESCO. These cities conceal hidden treasures that attest to their mining, rural and colonial past, with majestic examples of Neoclassical and Baroque style buildings and monuments lining their historic centers. From the pink-quarry houses and churches in Querétaro to the colorful, romantic alleys of Guanajuato and Mexico City’s eclectic Old Town, in this travel guide, you will discover cities of unparalleled value and some of the most interesting historical sites in Mexico.
Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro
A city full of cultural and historical wealth, Querétaro (formally known as Santiago de Querétaro) blends the colonial atmosphere that characterized its past with the modern vibe pulsating from its streets and venues. Located in the eponymous state in the Bajío region, this thriving yet quiet town played a crucial role in Mexico’s history and fight for independence, as you can appreciate from the landmarks in its historical center paying tribute to the Mexican Revolution heroes. In the main square Plaza de Armas, you will come across some of Querétaro’s most impressive colonial buildings, while in Plaza de los Fundadores you can admire the statues of Fernando de Tapia (Conín), Nicolás de San Luis Montañez, Juan Sánchez Alanís and Fray Jacobo Daciano, considered the founders of the city. You can continue your journey into Querétaro’s history by visiting the city’s museums. In El Museo Regional de Querétaro (the Regional Museum of Querétaro), housed in the ancient convent of San Francisco, you can learn about the Viceregal period and admire the fascinating architecture of the colonial-style cloisters, whereas in the Museo de Arte de Querétaro (Querétaro Art Museum) you will find a collection of works and paintings of some the country’s most important artists. The Temple and Ex-convent of San Francisco de Asis is among the most popular historical sites in Mexico and is considered the first religious and spiritual center in Querétaro. Add to your tour a halt by Querétaro’s Aqueduct, also known as Los Arcos: this impressive construction dating back to the 18th century is easily reachable from the historical center and is worth a visit, especially at night when you can appreciate spectacular views and lights. Other emblematic sites include the monument of President Benito Juárez located in the Cerro de las Campanas Park and the beautiful Zenea Garden, hosting an Art-Nouveau style kiosk and amazing green areas ideal to relax.
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
Located in the state of Veracruz, at around one hour drive from the lovely port city of Heroica Veracruz, in southern Mexico, Tlacotalpan preserves all the charm of a beautifully built Spanish Neoclassical town, contaminated by the Caribbean tradition. Tlacotalpan is among the most important historical sites in Mexico and can be easily reached also from Córdoba. Its charming Historical Center, featuring traditional colorful houses and buildings with typical red-tiles roofs, wide doorways, and porches, was designated a World Cultural Heritage in 1998 and beckons you to discover Tlacotalpan’s alleys and secrets. In the central square Plaza Zaragoza, you will find important landmarks attesting to Mexico’s history, including the Parish Church of San Cristobal, dedicated to the village’s patron, El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (The sanctuary of Our Lady of Candelaria), boasting a beautiful dome and vault made of coral stone, and the 19th century Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace). Head to the adjacent square Plazuela Agustín Lara and continue your exploration by reaching the picturesque chapel Capilla de la Candelaria, whose beauty and spiritual value earned it the designation of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Like many other historical places in Mexico, Veracruz has a long tradition of craftmanship; in Tlacotalpan you can browse numerous handicraft houses offering many traditional items and accessories made of fine lace.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a city with great artistic and cultural richness, that played a critical part in Mexican history and independence. Its beautiful historical center declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, attests to the city’s colonial past, and seems to take you back to the origin of modern Mexico. Thanks to its elegant Neoclassical-style buildings and venues, it is also one of the most romantic towns in Mexico, boasting alluring alleys that inspired legends and songs. Located in the eponymous state in the Bajío region, Guanajuato blends its historical character with an atmosphere full of folklore and myths telling the deeds of the heroes who led the Mexican Revolution. You can re-live some of these emblematic events by visiting the many monuments that celebrate the city’s past, such as the iconic carved quarry esplanade Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the University of Guanajuato, and the Guanajuato Bicentennial Park Museum. The towns of Irapuato and Dolores Hidalgo are other interesting destinations to visit in Guanajuato and are among the most important historical sites in Mexico. Irapuato is today a thriving hub and the second most visited tourist destination in the state. The crucial role that the city played in the Mexican Revolution is attested by the several museums and neoclassical and baroque buildings and monuments. The Palacio Municipal (the old City Hall), the central square Plaza de los Fundadores, and the fountain Fuente de Aguas Danzarinas are some of the most notable examples. Dolores Hidalgo is one of Guanajuato’s five Pueblos Mágicos and one of the most emblematic historical places in Mexico. From the Museo de la Independencia to the baroque church Iglesia de Dolores which saw the rise of the insurretion led by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, in Guanajuato, you will find countless sites to explore and learn about Mexico's history.
Mexico City
Modern Mexico’s core financial center and capital, Mexico City has a rich and eclectic past, which is reflected by its multifaceted character. Situated in the country’s central region, it smoothly combines the young, cosmopolitan vibe of a central multicultural hub with a past full of history and culture. Its wide avenues and intricated streets conceal the events and tales that led to the country’s independence, coexisting with Aztec and pre-Colombian archeological sites attesting to an even more distant past. Mexico City’s Historical Center boasts incredible buildings attesting to the colonial and Porfirian period, such as the Palacio Nacional, the Postal Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Along the renowned Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue) you will come across some of the city’s landmarks commemorating Mexican Independence. The most iconic is the column and mausoleum El Ángel de la Independencia, where the remains of many independence heroes are preserved. In the proximity of Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida de los Insurgentes, you can find the emblematic Monument to the Revolution located in the square Plaza de la República and housing the homonymous museum. You can continue your journey into Mexican history by visiting the city’s numerous museums. Pay a visit to the Museo del Palacio Nacional, the Antiguo Colegio de San Idelfonso, and the Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico (Museum of the City of Mexico) to learn more about the capital's development and discover the story of some of the most important historical sites in Mexico.
Morelia, Michoacán
The capital of Michoacán is one of the most beautiful heritage cities in central Mexico, boasting a perfectly preserved Historical Center framed by the quarry pink stone buildings typical of the colonial era. Initially called Villadolid, the city was renamed after the Mexican Independence hero José María Morelos y Pavón, and honors Mexico’s history and fight for freedom in most of its monuments and venues. Morelia offers all the attractions for a perfect cultural holiday. The exceptional urban landscapes, museums, architectural masterpieces, and artistic richness make Morelia a prime destination if you want to discover the most interesting historical sites in Mexico. Start your exploration from the most iconic building, the majestic Baroque-style Catedral de Morelia (Cathedral of Morelia) built in the 17th century and housing the unique tubular organ San Gregorio Magno. In the Museo Casa Natal de Morelos (Morelos Birth Home Museum), dedicated to the great Mexican Revolution hero, you can learn more about Mexico’s history and the vital part that Morelia played in the battle for independence. Other notable sites and monuments you may want to add to your list include the Baroque-style Temple and Ex-convent of the Capuchinas, Morelia’s Old Palace of Justice, and the Colegio Primitivo y Nacional de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, the highest House of Studies in Michoacán founded in 1540. Do not forget to include in your tour a visit to Morelia’s Aqueduct: located in the city’s downtown, this iconic Neoclassical construction keeps most of its original structure. On your way to the aqueduct from the Historical Center, you will come across the emblematic Las Tarascas. The fountain was created by local artist José Luis Padilla Retana and depicts three purépechas princesses in an allegoric scene.
San Luis Potosí
Boasting beautiful Baroque and Neoclassical architectural jewels, the city of San Luis Potosí is among the historical sites in Mexico you need to include in your list. Located in the state of the same name in the northern region of Bajío and renowned for being a ecotourism destination, San Luis Potosí displays great cultural and artistic wealth in all its venues, earning the designation of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its historic center features elegant Baroque and Neoclassical-style buildings that attest to the majesty of the colonial period and all over the city you can admire different landmarks commemorating Mexico’s history and fight for independence. The central Plaza de Armas, the viceregal era Municipal Building, and the pink quarry basilica Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación are among the most notable sites of interest in San Luis Potosí. In Plaza de Armas, also known as Hidalgo Garden, you can find the Government Palace; this historic building features an amazing oil paintings collection depicting Father Miguel Hidalgo and other Mexican Independence heroes, and nowadays it is the center of the Executive Power of the State of San Luis Potosí. If you are interested in Mexican history, do not miss a visit to the Casa de la Gándara, an elegant viceregal building displaying fascinating architecture, and the House of Felix Maria Calleja, whose façade and balcony evoke the Mexican Viceroyalty period. Before leaving San Luis Potosí and continuing your exploration of the most important historical sites in Mexico, make sure you visit the impressive Teatro de la Paz. The luxurious city theatre, recognized by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage Site, dates back to the 19th century; today it regularly hosts political, cultural, and artistic events.