Templo Mayor

Here we are standing before a true remnant of one of the main monuments in Tenochtitlan, the city built by the Aztecs in the 14th century. This temple was once a 65-meter-high pyramid, erected in 1375 on what was used to be the land of Lake Texcoco. It is said that, a prophecy led the Aztecs to settle here. Upon their arrival, they reportedly saw an eagle carrying a serpent in its beak—the very image described in one of the prophecies by the God of War. They took this as a sign and settled here to build what would become one of the most powerful cities in the region. In addition to the central pyramid, you’ll also find two temples dedicated to the God of War and the God of Rain. As you explore this unique archeological site, you’re walking above more than 700 years of history, amid the grand constructions of the most famous pre-Columbian civilization. It was thanks to a sculpture, called the Coyolxauhqui monolith, that this exceptional site was discovered and excavated beginning in 1978, allowing the millions of visitors who come to Mexico City each year to discover a part of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan. As you explore this sacred site, you should know something that may seem shocking to modern sensibilities; Human  sacrifices were carried out right in front of this temple and were quite  common during the Aztec period. You need to understand that, for the  Aztecs, humans were filled with vital energy, and these sacrifices were  believed to help control natural phenomena such as the rising sun, rain,  earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. That’s why these rituals regularly  took place here, in front of the Templo Mayor—not as acts of cruelty,  but as essential religious ceremonies within their worldview. To dive even deeper into the story of this sacred place, I highly recommend visiting the museum next door, where you’ll discover how the site was constructed as well as various artifacts from the Aztec civilization, undoubtedly immersing you in their daily life. An authentic journey back to the heart of Tenochtitlan!