Since 1987, Mexico has been recognized for 31 World Heritage sites by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The country is ranked first in the Americas and sixth worldwide in this regard, making Mexico a leader in terms of its cultural, natural, or mixed landmarks that deserve international recognition.
UNESCO’s World Heritage list includes 911 properties from 151 countries that are considered by the World Heritage Committee as having outstanding universal value. Once a destination is deemed a World Heritage site, a country may receive financial assistance and expert advice from the committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites. For more information, visit http://whc.unesco.org
Mexico’s World Heritage sites include:
Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (2010): Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was the Royal Inland Road, also known as the Silver Route. The inscribed property consists of 55 sites and five existing World Heritage sites lying along an 869 miles (1400 km) section of this 1,615 mile (2600 km) route, which extends north from Mexico City to Texas and New Mexico in the United States. The route was actively used as a trade route for 300 years, from the mid-16th century to the 19th century, mainly for transporting silver extracted from the mines of Zacatecas, Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi, and mercury imported from Europe. Although it is a route that was motivated and consolidated by the mining industry, it also fostered the creation of social, cultural and religious links between Spanish and Amerindian cultures, in particular.
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca (2010): This property lies on the northern slope of the Tlacolula valley in subtropical central Oaxaca and consists of two pre-Hispanic archaeological complexes and a series of prehistoric caves and rock shelters. Some of these shelters provide archaeological and rock-art evidence for the progress of nomadic hunter-gathers to incipient farmers. Ten thousand-year-old Cucurbitaceae seeds in one cave, Guila Naquitz, are considered to be the earliest known evidence of domesticated plants in the continent, while corn cob fragments from the same cave are said to be the earliest documented evidence for the domestication of maize. The cultural landscape of the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla demonstrates the link between man and nature that gave origin to the domestication of plants in North America, thus allowing the rise of Mesoamerican civilizations.
Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco (2008): Established in the 16th century, the town of San Miguel was built to protect the Royal Route inland, acting as a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences. The town reached its apogee in the 18th century when many of its religious and civic buildings, including the Jesuit Sanctuary, were built in the Mexican Baroque style. The Jesuit Sanctuary, one of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture, consists of a large church and several smaller chapels, all decorated with oil paintings by Rodriguez Juarez and mural paintings by Miguel Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (2008): The 139,019 acre (56,259 ha) biosphere lies within forested mountains about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Mexico City. Every autumn, millions, perhaps a billion, butterflies from North America return to the site. Together they cluster on small areas of the forest reserve, coloring its trees orange and bending their branches under their collective weight. In the spring, these butterflies begin an eight-month migration to eastern Canada, during which four successive generations are born and die. How the butterflies find their way back to their overwintering site remains a mystery.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) (2007): The ensemble of buildings, sports facilities and open spaces of the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), were built from 1949 – 1952 by more than 60 architects, engineers and artists. As a result, the campus constitutes a unique example of 20th century modernism, architecture, engineering, landscape design and fine arts with references to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past. The ensemble embodies social and cultural values of universal significance and is one of the most significant icons of modernity in Latin America.
Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila (2006): Located between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River in Jalisco State, this area not only grows the fields of blue agave that produce the tequila spirit, but also houses the large distilleries where the agave “pineapple” is fermented and distilled. The landscape also comprises archaeological sites left by the Teuchitlan culture which influenced the Tequila region from A.D. 200 – A.D. 900 through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts. Used to produce tequila since the 16th century, the blue agave in Mexico has such deep roots that today its culture is considered part of the national identity.
Islands and Protected Areas, Gulf of Baja California (2005): Referred to as the “world’s aquarium” by famous sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, the 244 islands, islets and coastal areas comprising the area nestled between the shores of the northwestern Mexican states of Sinaloa, Sonora and the Baja California peninsula, contains 39 percent of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species. The rugged islands, with their high cliffs and sandy beaches, are also home to 695 vascular plant species, more than any other marine and insular property on the World Heritage list.
House and Studio of Mexican Architect Luis Barragan, Mexico City (2004): The house and studio were built in 1948 and are located in a suburb of Mexico City called Tacubaya. Barragan worked in the World War II era and his work exemplified a synthesis of modern and traditional artistic elements. The house is built from concrete and consists of a ground floor, two upper stories and a small private garden. Barragan’s work integrated modern and traditional artistic and vernacular currents and elements into a new synthesis, which has been greatly influential, especially in the contemporary design of gardens, plazas and landscapes.
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda, Queretaro (2003): The five Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda, a historical treasure little-known among tourists, were built in the mid-18th century and became an important reference for the continuation of the evangelization and colonization of California, Arizona and Texas. Their richly decorated and colorful facades are a unique example of the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and indigenous populations.
Ancient Mayan City of Calakmul, Campeche (2002): Calakmul is one of the largest known Mayan sites, located in Campeche in the Tierras Bajas jungles. It covers approximately 27 square miles (70 sq. km), and is estimated to have had a population of 50,000 in the height of its power. The central urban core of Calakmul is delineated on the north by a substantial wall, probably for defense of the most important political structures and residences.
Historic Fortified Town, Campeche (1999): In colonial times, the port city of Campeche was constantly under attack by European pirates. The walls that were erected around the entire city to protect the harbor from invasion still stand today, offering the visitor a stirring reminder of Mexican history.
Archaeological Monuments Zone, Xochicalco (1999): Xochicalco (Place of Flowers) is one of the richest archaeological sites in Mexico, developed from A.D. 650 – A.D. 900 between the destruction of Teotihuacan (Aztec) and the beginning of the Toltec civilization. Xochicalco was not only the oldest known fortress in Middle America, but also a well-fortified religious, political and commercial center.
Historic Monuments Zone, Tlacotalpan (1998): This Spanish colonial river port city near Mexico’s Gulf Coast was founded in the 16th century. With its wide streets and colorfully painted houses, the city combines gardens, ancient trees and Spanish and Caribbean traditions of exceptional importance and quality.
Archaeological Zone of Paquime, Casas Grandes (1998): This ancient Indian settlement in Chihuahua State was one of the most important cities in northern Mexico between A.D. 900 and A.D. 1300. It served as a major trade center, connecting Mexico’s Toltec civilization with the Pueblo-Oasis tribes of the American southwest.
Hospicio Cabanas, Guadalajara (1997): Completed in 1810 as a house of charity, it is the city’s proudest cultural institute, with a performing arts center, galleries and a museum. It is noted for simplicity of design and open spaces. The building’s main attraction is a chapel with a mural painted by the great Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco between 1936 and 1939.
Pre- Hispanic Town, Uxmal (1996): Uxmal was one of the largest cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, and at its height was home to about 25,000 Mayans. Like the other Puuc sites, it flourished from A.D. 600 – A.D. 900. The name Uxmal means ‘thrice-built’ in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Pyramid of the Soothsayer, as the Spaniards called it, dominates the ceremonial center. Its rulers are said to have presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labna and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture.
Historic Monuments Zone, Queretaro (1996): Little has changed in Queretaro’s city center, filled with colonial mansions and immaculate walkways. Founded in 1531, this colonial city, located in central Mexico, is adorned with inspiring architecture and retains its original street patterns from the period of native Indians and Spanish conquerors.
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes, Popocatepetl (1994): Fourteen Christian monasteries stand on the slopes of the Popocatepetl, a dormant volcano located southeast of Mexico City. They are excellent examples of the architectural style adopted by the first missionaries – Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians – who tried to convert the native Indians to Christianity in the early 16th century.
Whale Sanctuary, El Vizcaino (1993): The waters of the Baja California Coast provide shelter for many different species. The fin whale, the humpback whale, the sei whale and the blue whale journey to the Gulf of California every year to reproduce. Out of the 45 marine mammals that coexist in Mexican waters, 38 permanently reside in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. The gray whale performs one of the longest migrations known, with its southern point in this area. The mammal travels more than 5,000 miles (8,046 km) from the Baja California Peninsula to the Arctic Circle and feeds in the Chukchi and Bering seas. The whales return annually to the lagoons of San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre to mate and bear offspring. As a result of protective measures, approximately 900 calves are now born each year in Mexican waters in the protection of El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Under these conditions, the gray whale population has grown back to more than 27,000.
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco (1993): These are some of the most mystifying and well-preserved rock paintings in the world. Dating to 100 B.C., the Sierra de San Francisco (in the El Vizcaino Reserve on the Baja California Peninsula) was home to people who left behind a magical testimony on history, a unique outlook on the relationship between mankind and the environment and a profound worldview. The drawings show human figures and many animal species.
Historic Center, Zacatecas (1993): Founded in 1546, this fabled silver city’s historic town center houses magnificent churches, abandoned convents and breathtaking Baroque architecture. For centuries, the city served as the northern frontier of Spain’s New World Empire. The main attractions are the cathedral (built between 1707 and 1752), the Plaza de Armas (main square dating back to the 18th century), the Mina el Edem (an ancient mine) and the Calderon Theater, with its art nouveau facade.
Pre-Hispanic City of El Tajin (1992): Located in the state of Veracruz, this jungle city was a large, powerful and important ceremonial center. First construction likely began 2,000 years ago and the city reached its peak from A.D. 600 – A.D. 900. Its niche pyramids are unique in the Americas. Its architecture is characterized by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and friezes.
Historic Center, Morelia (1991): Morelia, the capital city of Michoacan State, was founded in 1541 and contains more than 200 historic buildings, including restored mansions and churches. Its buildings are made mostly of pink-colored stone with intricate facades. The city combines a blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza (1988): Chichen-Itza is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico and is located two hours by bus from Cancun. It is two cities: one was ruled by the Mayans from the 6th to the 10th century and the other was a Toltec-Mayan city that emerged in A.D. 1000. The site combines Toltec and Mayan influences and is ripe with cosmological symbolism. Its four sides contain 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces (for the 18 months of the religious year). The site also contains a cenote (limestone sacred well or sinkhole) and an observatory.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines (1988): Located in central Mexico, Guanajuato, which was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, quickly became one of the most important silver centers in the world. For nearly 250 years, nearly one-third of the world’s silver came from this city. The town boasts Baroque and Neoclassical architecture as a result of its great wealth. One example is La Valenciana, one of Mexico’s most ornate churches, completed in 1788. Another Baroque church is La Basilica, built in the 17th century.
Sian Ka’an, Riviera Maya (1987): This 1.3 million acre (526,091 ha) ecological park of forests, lagoons, exotic marine habitats and wetlands is located on the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula. The biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an’s complex hydrological system also provides a habitat for an impressive variety of flora and fauna.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (1987): The archaeological zone of Teotihuacan is one of the country’s major tourist attractions. In the past it was one of the largest and most complex metropoli in pre-Hispanic Mexico. Its main structures include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, as well as an on-site museum. The culture that produced this magnificent city originated in the first century, reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th centuries, and subsequently declining until it was eventually abandoned.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque (1987): A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, Palenque was at its height between A.D. 500 and A.D. 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. The elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes, attest to the creative genius of this civilization.
Historic Center, Puebla (1987): The city of Puebla, founded in 1531, is one of Mexico’s most culturally significant cities and home to several important historical events. The capital of Puebla State, the city is home to beautiful buildings in colonial, art deco and other styles made of gray stone, red brick and tiles. The city is known for its intricate hand-painted ceramics, known as Talavera, as well as for its renowned cuisine.
Historic Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban (1987): Once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations, Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences. Some of the many sites in the city’s historical downtown include the main plaza, the government palace, the Cathedral of Oaxaca and the city market, as well as some of Mexico’s most ornately decorated churches. The area’s main attraction is the archaeological site of Monte Alban, one of the most impressive burial places in the Western Hemisphere.
Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987): Mexico City, the exact site upon which the great Aztec civilization flourished, is a remarkable showcase of 3,000 years of cultural achievement. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and now one of its largest cities. The city has five Aztec temples, the largest cathedral on the continent and several ecological parks. Mexico City’s Zocalo is the third largest square in the world and has witnessed a wealth of historical, religious and political development since the 14th century. Xochimilco, just south of Mexico City, contains historic buildings, a main plaza, bricked streets, and an intricate network of canals and floating plots of land, whose origins date back to pre-Hispanic times. Structures built during the colonial era have been well-preserved.
