Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System
Location: States of Mexico and Hidalgo Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2015
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System is a historic hydraulic system located in the central region of Mexico. It was built in the 16th century to transport water to nearby towns and villages, and is considered an outstanding example of hydraulic engineering.
Prominent Features: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System spans a distance of nearly 50 miles and consists of a series of arches and tunnels that transport water from a spring in the mountains to the town of Otumba. The system includes a total of 46 arches and 3 tunnels, and is made up of a combination of masonry and brick construction.
History: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System was built between 1553 and 1570 by Franciscan friar Francisco de Tembleque, with the assistance of indigenous workers. The system was built to transport water from a spring in the mountains to nearby towns and villages, and played a vital role in the region's agricultural development.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can explore the aqueduct and learn about its history and engineering feats. The nearby town of Otumba offers opportunities to experience traditional Mexican culture and cuisine.
Fun Fact: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System was built using local materials and techniques, and is an outstanding example of the fusion of indigenous and European architectural traditions.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System.
How to Reach it: The aqueduct is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Mexico City.
The easiest way to get to the Aqueduct from Mexico City by public transport is to take a bus. There are several bus companies that run frequent services from Mexico City to Zempoala, which is the nearest town to the aqueduct. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and the bus company.
One of the most popular bus companies for this route is Estrella Roja, which departs from the Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente (TAPO) in Mexico City and arrives at the Zempoala bus station. Other bus companies that operate this route include ADO, AU, and Flecha Roja.
Once you arrive in Zempoala, you can take a taxi or local bus to the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System, which is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the town center.
Where to Stay: Visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Otumba or Zempoala, which offer a range of accommodations including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan 30kms back towards Mexico city
Year of Inscription: 2015
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System is a historic hydraulic system located in the central region of Mexico. It was built in the 16th century to transport water to nearby towns and villages, and is considered an outstanding example of hydraulic engineering.
Prominent Features: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System spans a distance of nearly 50 miles and consists of a series of arches and tunnels that transport water from a spring in the mountains to the town of Otumba. The system includes a total of 46 arches and 3 tunnels, and is made up of a combination of masonry and brick construction.
History: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System was built between 1553 and 1570 by Franciscan friar Francisco de Tembleque, with the assistance of indigenous workers. The system was built to transport water from a spring in the mountains to nearby towns and villages, and played a vital role in the region's agricultural development.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can explore the aqueduct and learn about its history and engineering feats. The nearby town of Otumba offers opportunities to experience traditional Mexican culture and cuisine.
Fun Fact: The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System was built using local materials and techniques, and is an outstanding example of the fusion of indigenous and European architectural traditions.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System.
How to Reach it: The aqueduct is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Mexico City.
The easiest way to get to the Aqueduct from Mexico City by public transport is to take a bus. There are several bus companies that run frequent services from Mexico City to Zempoala, which is the nearest town to the aqueduct. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and the bus company.
One of the most popular bus companies for this route is Estrella Roja, which departs from the Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente (TAPO) in Mexico City and arrives at the Zempoala bus station. Other bus companies that operate this route include ADO, AU, and Flecha Roja.
Once you arrive in Zempoala, you can take a taxi or local bus to the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System, which is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the town center.
Where to Stay: Visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Otumba or Zempoala, which offer a range of accommodations including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Next Stop: Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan 30kms back towards Mexico city