With its pre-Hispanic heritage juxtaposed against the buzz of Mexico City, the neighbourhood of Azcapotzalco is like a town within a city. It was once inhabited by the Tepaneca people, then the Dominicans left their mark in Catholic churches and convents in the 16th century.
Things to do in Azcapotzalco
Don’t miss a visit to the San Felipe y Santiago Apóstoles church and convent that was one of the first to be established by the Dominican monks. It features a magnificent coffered ceiling and faded frescoes on the cloister walls, together with the charming Rosario Chapel.
The complex forms part of Jardín Hidalgo, which lies at the centre of the Old Town and is home to the Azcapotzalco Culture House. Admire the murals as you wander through its elegant courtyard and gardens, then witness pre-Hispanic artefacts discovered in the neighbourhood at the Historical Archive.
Want to see how the Valley of Mexico looked during pre-Hispanic times? Then visit Tezozómoc Park to the west of Azcapotzalco’s Old Town, where a range of historic natural features around Lake Texcoco has been recreated.
This green oasis is a popular recreational area with walking trails, cycleways and playgrounds to explore. It also serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds within the urban sprawl of Mexico City, where curious squirrels can be seen scurrying in the native Ahuejote forest.
Getting around Azcapotzalco
Azcapotzalco is connected to Mexico City’s centre and the surrounding neighbourhoods along the metro system, as well as by buses and trolley buses. The historic area around Jardín Hidalgo and Tezozómoc Park are easily explored on foot, which are both served by metro stations nearby.