Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
Location: Mexico, Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1987
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;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(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;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan is a vast archaeological site in central Mexico that contains some of the largest and best-preserved ancient Mesoamerican pyramids. The city was established in the 1st century CE and reached its peak in the 3rd century CE, with an estimated population of over 100,000. It was the largest urban center in the pre-Columbian Americas and had a significant influence on later cultures, including the Aztecs.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of Teotihuacan are the massive pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, which are connected by the Avenue of the Dead.
History: Teotihuacan was established around 100 CE by an unknown civilization, although it is believed to have been a multi-ethnic society. The city grew rapidly and reached its peak in the 3rd century CE, with an estimated population of over 100,000. The city declined in the 7th and 8th centuries CE, and its inhabitants abandoned it by the 8th century CE. The site was rediscovered in the 19th century and has been the subject of extensive archaeological research ever since.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Teotihuacan can climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which can be a fun and adventurous activity for families with older children. The site also has several museums, including the Teotihuacan Museum, which houses a large collection of artifacts from the site.
Fun Fact: Despite extensive research, little is known about the people who built Teotihuacan, as they left no written records. The name "Teotihuacan" is derived from the Nahuatl language and means "the place where the gods were created."
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fee for Teotihuacan is 110 Mexican pesos (approximately 5 USD) for adults. Children under 13, senior citizens, and Mexican nationals are eligible for discounted rates.
How to Reach it: Teotihuacan is located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi, but it is also accessible by public transportation.
Buses depart regularly from Mexico City's Central del Norte bus station and take approximately one hour to reach the site.
Alternatively, visitors can take the metro to the Autobuses del Norte station and then transfer to a bus to Teotihuacan.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of San Juan Teotihuacan, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Visitors can also choose to stay in Mexico City and make a day trip to the site.
Next Stop: Luis Barragán House and Studio 50kms away in the suburbs of Mexico City
Year of Inscription: 1987
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;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(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;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan is a vast archaeological site in central Mexico that contains some of the largest and best-preserved ancient Mesoamerican pyramids. The city was established in the 1st century CE and reached its peak in the 3rd century CE, with an estimated population of over 100,000. It was the largest urban center in the pre-Columbian Americas and had a significant influence on later cultures, including the Aztecs.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of Teotihuacan are the massive pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, which are connected by the Avenue of the Dead.
- The Pyramid of the Sun is the third-largest pyramid in the world and rises to a height of 75 meters.
- The Pyramid of the Moon is slightly smaller but still an impressive 43 meters tall.
- The site also contains numerous other temples, palaces, and residential areas.
- The remains of a complex water management system.
History: Teotihuacan was established around 100 CE by an unknown civilization, although it is believed to have been a multi-ethnic society. The city grew rapidly and reached its peak in the 3rd century CE, with an estimated population of over 100,000. The city declined in the 7th and 8th centuries CE, and its inhabitants abandoned it by the 8th century CE. The site was rediscovered in the 19th century and has been the subject of extensive archaeological research ever since.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to Teotihuacan can climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which can be a fun and adventurous activity for families with older children. The site also has several museums, including the Teotihuacan Museum, which houses a large collection of artifacts from the site.
Fun Fact: Despite extensive research, little is known about the people who built Teotihuacan, as they left no written records. The name "Teotihuacan" is derived from the Nahuatl language and means "the place where the gods were created."
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fee for Teotihuacan is 110 Mexican pesos (approximately 5 USD) for adults. Children under 13, senior citizens, and Mexican nationals are eligible for discounted rates.
How to Reach it: Teotihuacan is located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi, but it is also accessible by public transportation.
Buses depart regularly from Mexico City's Central del Norte bus station and take approximately one hour to reach the site.
Alternatively, visitors can take the metro to the Autobuses del Norte station and then transfer to a bus to Teotihuacan.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of San Juan Teotihuacan, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Visitors can also choose to stay in Mexico City and make a day trip to the site.
Next Stop: Luis Barragán House and Studio 50kms away in the suburbs of Mexico City