Head south of the border to Mexico City
2010-01-04
When one considers an excursion to Mexico, most minds tend to stray toward the
country's tourist capitals Acapulco and Cancun. Yet travelers seeking to
experience multiple aspects of the country's rich cultural heritage may be best
served by planning a trip to the country's true capital of Mexico City.
Sometimes referred to as Mexico D.F., Districto Federale (federal
district), Mexico City is the eighth largest metropolitan area in the world and
boasts a number of attractions for tourists from all walks of life.
For
those interested in history, there is the Centro Historico, a classic area of
town replete with colonial and European architecture, cobblestone streets and
the epic grandeur of the Plaza De La Constitucion. The UNESCO World Heritage
site contains buildings dating back to the 16th century and was built on the
ruins of the former capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan.
While
visiting the Coyoacan district, art lovers would be remiss not to visit the Casa
Azul (blue house), a gallery celebrating the life and work of noted painter
Frida Kahlo. The home, in which the artist was born and eventually died,
contains art work, memorabilia and photographs of the late painter and her
ex-husband, Diego Rivera.