Mexico’s Colonial Heartland

Mexico has one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO heritage sites of any country in the world, many of which are located in the central provinces where ancient and colonial history are inextricably entwined. One of the few Central American destinations reached by direct scheduled flight from the UK, Mexico City and its surrounds are a culturally fascinating contrast to the bustling coastal resorts of the south.

The colonial period lasted 300 years, from around 1500 to 1800, when Mexico came under Spanish military and economical control. The legacy of the colonists is the most significant influence on modern-day Mexico yet, despite the destructive effects of colonisation, many examples of ancient architecture remain. One of the most impressive of these may be seen at the Aztec site of Teotihuacan, home to the immense and well-preserved Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Mexico City is a vibrant, modern metropolis but beyond the traffic and turbulence an intriguing ancient history is revealed. The mighty empire of the Aztecs founded the city in the 13th century, naming it Tenochtitlan, and the remains of an Aztec temple sit alongside the city’s Baroque-style constructions. The Zocalo, or main square, is edged with stunning colonial buildings including the 14th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, which took over two centuries to complete. Morelia, 200 miles northwest of Mexico City, is one of the country’s best preserved colonial cities. Baroque styles dominate the narrow streets and the pink stone cathedral, whose spires reach a height of over 200 feet, is one of Mexico’s finest. The beautiful pastel-coloured colonial buildings of picturepostcard San Miguel de Allende make this small city a haven for artists who flock to the local painting schools.

Founded in 1554, Guanajuato lies in one of the richest silver-mining regions in Mexico and was originally built over the Guanajuato River, which flowed through tunnels underneath the city. The river was re-directed after years of flooding and today these tunnels create an underground road network, a unique feature of this city.