FRIDAY 5TH - TEOTIHUACAN

We farewelled Therese and Mario this morning and headed off on our arranged tour to the pyramids. We were in a group of approximately 12 of which all but three spoke Spanish. Our tour guide Francisco very efficiently made every announcement in both languages. As the day went on, it became evident that most of the Spanish speakers also spoke English as they so often do.

 

Our first port of call was Tlatelolco, an Aztec complex in the northern suburbs of Mexico adjacent to one of the first churches built in the city after the Spanish arrived. The Aztecs had the practice of substantially demolishing and rebuilding their complexes every 52 years so archaeologists have discovered Seven layers of temples in this complex.

Our next port of call was a complex of churches, also in the northern suburbs It is described as the third most visited christian complex in the world after the Holy Land and St. Peters. Fortunately it wasn't too busy when we were there.

The complex consists of three churches and a number of chapels. The second church was built because the first became too small for the congregation. The third was built because the second, although still in use is sinking and has a distinct lean to it and you walk uphill as you move from front to back. Attempts to arrest the movement and stabilise it have been ineffective so it will eventually become unusable.

 The third is extraordinary, both in appearance and size but is apparently built in such a way that, although it will also sink, it will remain stable and level.

The highlight of the day was of course the pyramids and other buildings of Teotihuacan, built approximately 2000 years ago by the Teotihuacan people and used until abandoned by them approximately 1300 years ago.

They were discovered by the Aztecs but apparently never used by the Aztecs to any great extent. They were restored to the condition they are now in in relatively recent times and archaeologists are continuing to work on them.

Tomorrow the Archaeological Museum of Mexico.