The inhabitants of ancient Mexico built multiple cities throughout Mesoamerica, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These cities featured colossal pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, is the third largest pyramid in the world. The Pyramid of Niches, located in the pre-Hispanic city of El Tajin in the state of Veracruz, gets its name from its 365 niches, believed to represent the days of the year.
The Pyramid of Kulkulkan, also known as El Castillo, is the most famous construction at the ancient Maya-Toltec city of Chichen-Itza. This step pyramid, dedicated to the feathered serpent deity Kulkulcan, is considered an architectural representation of the Mayan calendar. Every year on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the afternoon sun strikes the pyramid in such a way that the shadow cast on the western side of the north staircase resembles the silhouette of a serpent which seems to descend to the ground.
Mexico City's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, boasts the largest cathedral in Latin America, known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built over a span of about 250 years starting in 1567. The Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, which was built on the spot where Mexico's patron saint is said to have appeared to Juan Diego, is also located in the capital city. Another notable Mexican cathedral is located in the historic center of the city of Zacatecas, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Made from a pink stone associated with the region, the 18th century cathedral is a prime example of Spanish baroque-style architecture.
The 14 monasteries located on the slopes of the Popocatepetl volcano are representative of the architectural style of the Franciscan, Dominicans and Augustinians missionaries tasked with converting the indigenous peoples of Mexico to Christianity in the 16th century. The monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage sites, as are the Franciscan missions in Sierra Gorda in the state of Queretaro. The Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital complex for the disadvantaged in Guadalajara built in the early 19th century, is also a World Heritage site.
