Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Mexico City

The Plaza de las Tres Culturas, located in the Tlatelolco neighborhood of Mexico City, serves as a symbolic tribute to the three cultures that have shaped modern Mexico. It represents distinct periods in Mexican history, namely the Aztec era, the colonial period, and the emergence of the modern Mestizo nation.

Designed and completed in 1966 by the renowned Mexican urban architect and designer Mario Pani, this square amalgamates remnants of the past with contemporary elements. Notably, it embraces the vestiges of the ancient Aztec city of Tlatelolco, the Santiago de Tlatelolco Catholic Church from the 16th century, and a spacious modern housing complex.

The Santiago de Tlatelolco Catholic Church, built using volcanic stone, stands as a testament to the colonial era. Its white plastered walls showcase captivating frescoes, complemented by deep blue stained glass windows and a finely crafted stone altar. This very site witnessed a significant historical event, as it was the battleground where the final clash occurred during the Spanish conquest of Mexico on August 13th, 1521.

However, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas bears not only the imprints of the past but also the scars of more recent events. In 1968, it was the tragic location of a massacre, where protesting students lost their lives. In their memory and honor, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) erected a stone memorial called the Memorial '68 at the plaza's southern edge.

The Plaza de las Tres Culturas is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It spans ancient Aztec times to modern Mexico, capturing rich cultural heritage.

Tip:
The surrounding requires some attention as it is located further away from the center and less policed: try going before nightfall.