Cuauhtémoc (Mexico City)

The borough contains the historic and cultural heart of Mexico City, centered on the Zócalo, the main square where the Aztec Templo Mayor, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace of Mexico stand, representing three major eras of the city’s history.

The Cuauhtémoc borough covers an area of more than 30 sq km and is divided into 34 colonias. Within its borders stand about 1,500 buildings officially classified as national monuments, as well as two major archaeological zones that preserve the ancient layers of the capital.

As the oldest section, the borough contains a vast number of centuries-old buildings. Continuous exposure to moisture, unstable soil, and intense urban pressure makes structural deterioration an ongoing concern for both residential properties and major historic landmarks.

Several hundred buildings throughout the borough are currently considered at risk of condemnation. The main cause is uneven sinking into the soft soil of the former lakebed, which creates cracks, tilting, and long-term structural stress in foundations and load-bearing walls.

Most endangered structures are located in the historic core and the immediately surrounding areas. Many of them hold official historic or artistic status granted by national cultural institutions, which complicates restoration while increasing the urgency of preservation efforts.

Ground instability has affected this historic district for centuries. The Metropolitan Cathedral, for example, underwent complex foundation reinforcement to counteract differential sinking and prevent permanent deformation of its massive stone structure.

The early history of the Cuauhtémoc borough follows the story of Aztec Tenochtitlan and colonial Mexico City. Tenochtitlan was founded on a marshy island in the lake and divided into 4 neighborhoods centered on the Templo Mayor, whose ruins lie near today’s Zócalo.

The Spanish conquered the city in 1521 and destroyed most Aztec buildings, but retained the street layout, which roughly matches the modern Historic Center. Over this, they built the Cathedral, National Palace, and Zócalo, blending colonial design with ancient foundations.

During the colonial period, European-style constructions, public buildings, and churches concentrated near the Zocalo made the city prestigious, attracting wealthy residents and earning it the nickname “City of Palaces” for its mansions and monumental structures.

By the early 19th century, Mexico City remained mostly within the Historic Center, though drainage projects expanded the island. Streets and plazas shaped a compact city that balanced civic, religious, and residential spaces, reflecting centuries of layered history.

In 1824, Mexico City became the capital, and the surrounding lands formed the Federal District. Over time, new neighborhoods emerged on the drying lakebed, especially to the west, housing the wealthy in modern streets and avenues, while working-class areas grew elsewhere.

In the 20th century, Cuauhtémoc remained the center of commerce, politics, and culture, but wealthier residents gradually moved to western areas. The Historic Center declined, and frozen rents in the mid-century caused many old buildings to deteriorate over decades.

The Cuauhtémoc borough also absorbed migrants from rural regions of Mexico, which increased demand for housing and public services. Large earthquakes, especially in 1985, caused major damage to hundreds of structures and displaced tens of thousands of residents.

Damage from the quake left parts of the borough deserted at night, as former mansions became tenements and streets were dominated by street vendors and petty crime. Tourism declined, and even restaurants closed early, making the area feel unsafe despite its historic charm.

Starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s, government initiatives, supported by private groups, invested in restoring centuries-old buildings and making key areas of the borough pedestrian-friendly, paving the way for new shops, eateries, bars, and downtown lofts.

Cuauhtémoc is the historic heart of Mexico City, offering visitors a rich mix of architecture, culture, and history. Walking through its streets, tourists encounter centuries-old buildings, lively markets, and iconic public squares that reflect the city’s layered past.

• Zócalo (main square)
• Metropolitan Cathedral
• National Palace
• Templo Mayor ruins
• La Lagunilla Market
• Mixcalco Market
• San Juan Market
• National Museum of Art
• Museum of the City of Mexico
• Paseo de la Reforma
• Torre Mayor
• Zona Rosa

The Zócalo, or main square, is the centerpiece, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor. This area combines history with modern life, attracting countless visitors daily who explore its monuments and vibrant atmosphere.

Visitors can also enjoy the bustling markets, including La Lagunilla, Mixcalco, and San Juan, where traditional crafts, fresh food, and local culture thrive. These markets offer an authentic glimpse into daily life, making them must-see stops for curious travelers.

The borough hosts a variety of museums, libraries, and galleries, such as the National Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of Mexico. These cultural centers showcase both colonial and contemporary works, highlighting the borough’s historical and artistic significance.

Other notable attractions include Zona Rosa, known for shopping and nightlife, and the impressive office towers along Paseo de la Reforma. Together, these sites reflect the dynamic blend of historic charm and modern energy that defines Cuauhtémoc.