Must-Visit Ancient Ruins In Mexico For History Enthusiasts
For those with a keen interest in history, Mexico is a fantastic city to visit with many fascinating historical sites to see. First populated over 13,000 years ago by complex indigenous civilizations, Mexico was later conquered and colonized by the Spanish in the 16th Century. This means that you can find many ancient ruins, colonial neighborhoods and more to explore during a trip here. Much of the focus goes to Mexico City, the food, and lively culture, but those with interest in history will love it here and especially if you manage to catch a glimpse of the following important landmarks:
Chichen Itza
A complex of stunning Mayan ruins in Southeast Mexico, Chichen Itza covers around two square miles and has a wide range of temples, ball courts, and an observatory. The highlight is the huge step pyramid known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, which is thought to have been standing from around 600 A.D to the 1200s.
El Tajin
A pre-Columbian site found to the south of Mexico; there is a great deal of mystery surrounding El Tajin as archaeologists remain unsure on who exactly built this city which has around 150 buildings with many of these still being unexcavated. It is found just north of Veracruz, which is another historical highlight as one of the country’s largest and oldest ports founded by Spanish settlers. It can be easy to reach too with affordable vuelos a Veracruz.
Uxmal
Widely considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Mayan culture, the ancient city of Uxmal in the Puuc region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the most beautiful and large ruins in the entire country.
Morelia
Those with an interest in colonial history will want to visit Morelia in the central Mexican state of Michoacán, which has many well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings which are built from the region’s characteristic pink stone. The baroque Morelia Cathedral, in particular in one highlight with twin towers soaring high into the sky above the city.
Palenque
This Maya city state in southern Mexico features ruins that date back to 226 BC with temples nestled within the beautiful tropical forest found here. This makes it a wonderful place to visit gorgeous rivers and a range of wildlife adding to its appeal. It is thought that Palenque was a center of trade and you can see many intricate inscriptions and hieroglyphics on display throughout.
These are just a few of the best places that reveal Mexico’s intriguing history and, in particular, the Mayan history which is known for its developments in writing, art, architecture, math, and astronomy. No trip to Mexico is complete without discovering this rich history in various areas all over the country, and it is truly an eye-opening experience to see these well-preserved ruins that give you a glimpse into how the indigenous civilizations once lived before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.
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