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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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| In 1531 the image of the
Virgin Mary appeared to a poor native Mexican, Juan
Diego. After his second vision this image miraculously
became imprinted on the inside of his cloak. A miracle
was declared, a church erected on the spot to house
the cloak, and the Virgin of Guadeloupe became the much
revered patron saint of the country. Today, the large
basilica that houses the cloak is a place of worship
and pilgrimages. On December 12 there is a large parade
and festivities in honor of the Saint. Open Tues-Sun
10am to 6pm. Take Metro Line 3 to the Basilica Station.
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| As a means to grow more
produce on the vast lake area around ancient Mexico
City, the early pre-Hispanic population devised an ingenious
form of land reclamation. Large square barges were built,
filled with organic material and willows, whose roots
shot down and anchored the "floating gardens" to the
lake bed. Today the area is especially enjoyed on weekends
when flower covered boats ply their way through the
canals. The banks are alive with vendors, an assortment
of live music and restaurants. Saturdays the tianguis
or market is in full swing. The whole experience is
enjoyed by tourists and Mexicans alike. Open daily sun
up to sun down. Take Metro Line 2 to the Taxquena Station
and then catch a Xochimilco Bus.
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| The site of these massive
ruins was named by the Aztecs centuries after the original
population disappeared - Place Where Gods Were Born.
Astronomically precise in its layout, the many impressive
buildings are dominated by the 210 foot high Pyramid
to the Sun , the third largest in the world. Started
in 100BC and finished 400 years later, it surveys other
edifices: The Pyramid to the Moon, Temple of Quetzalcoatl
and numerous palaces. Most of the site's artifacts can
be seen at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
Smaller on-site museum closed Mon. Site is open daily
8am-6pm. Buses leave every half hour from 5am-to 10pm
daily from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte.
One hour trip. |
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