Tlalnepantla de Baz

Tlalnepantla experiences a temperate climate typical of the region.

Summers are generally warm with average temperatures, while winters can be cooler, especially during the night. Rainfall is more prevalent in the summer months, contributing to the overall greenery of the area.

The best time to visit Tlalnepantla

The ideal time to visit Tlalnepantla depends on the type of experience one seeks.

The months between November and February constitute the cooler season, making it suitable for those who prefer milder temperatures. The summer months, from June to August, showcase the region’s lush greenery.

The original name of the area was Tenayohcan, from the Nahuatl tena (wall), yoh (abundance), and can (place), meaning “place where there are many walls” or “fortified place.”

In the 16th century, the Franciscan friars, who played a major role in evangelizing the region, renamed the settlement San Bartolomé as part of their efforts to replace local traditions with Christian names and customs.

Soon after their arrival, the Franciscans attempted to establish a religious center for the area. Eventually, a dispute arose between the two towns of Tenayuca and Teocalhueyacan over which would house the Franciscan monastery.

To resolve this conflict, a monastery was decided to be built halfway between the two towns. This new area was named Tlalnepantla, which means “middle land.”  The Corpus Christi monastery was completed in 1550.

Tlalnepantla, sometimes incorrectly called “Tlanepantla”. The word “tlalnepantla” comes from the Náhuatl words “tlalli” (“land”) and “nepantla” (“middle”), so the Tlalnepantla name means “the middle land” in Nahuatl.

In the 19th century, the name was formalized as Tlalnepantla.

The town also was known as Tlalnepantla de Galeana, after Hermenegildo Galeana, who was a revolutionary leader during Mexico’s War of Independence. Galeana is remembered for his bravery, and strategic leadership.

The town was also named Tlalnepantla de Comonfort, after Ignacio Comonfort, a Mexican military officer and politician who served as President of Mexico from 1855 to 1858 during a turbulent period in Mexico’s history.

In 1948, the municipality was elevated to city status.

The suffix “de Baz” comes from the last name of Gustavo Baz Prada.

Gustavo Baz Prada was an important politician and soldier of Emiliano Zapata’s army during the Mexican Revolution. After the Revolution, Baz Prada became Governor of the State of Mexico and President of the UNAM).

The municipality of Tlalnepantla de Baz hides thousands of historical facts in its corners that date back to the pre-Hispanic era. Vestiges of mammoth, the saber-toothed cat, bison, and wolves have been found in this area.

Around the 11th century, a group called the Amaquemecan settled in this region.

The Amecamecan were led by their leader Xolotl, in search of a better climate and more food. The same Xolotl established the chiefdom of Tenayuca Oztopolco and even carried out the first census in the Americas.

At the time, other groups like the Acolhuas, Tepanecas, and Otomíes already lived in the area, so alliances were formed among them. However, later, the region was conquered and became part of the Aztec Empire.

After the Spanish conquest, the area was abandoned and there began to be movement again with the arrival of the Franciscans. Shortly after their arrival, they founded San Bartolomé to replace the name of Tenayuca.

Later, the name of the area was formalized as Tlalnepantla.

Between 1525 and 1587, the Corpus Christi convent and temple was built, one of the most emblematic and important places in this municipality, which preserves paintings dating back to the 16th century.

Later, more attention began to be paid to this area because it became one of the most important areas in the region due to its strategic location, as it was the obligatory passage to reach various parts of the Valley of Mexico.

The official birth of Tlalnepantla was in 1848 and by 1888 it was divided into 11 municipalities.

Since 1948 the town of Tlalnepantla was elevated to the rank of city.

The church and monastery of Corpus Christi were built by both Mexicas and Otomis of pink and gray stone. The side gate shows clearly the influence of both of these people. In 1963, the church gained cathedral status.

• The aqueduct Tlalnepantla – Villa de Guadalupe
• The Caja del Agua
• The Hacienda of Santa Mónica
• The Hacienda de Emmedio
• The Centro Cultural Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

Tenayuca Pyramid

The pyramid at Tenayuca is a small version of the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan. It has dual staircases, each leading to two temples, at the top of the pyramid. One was dedicated to Tlaloc and the other one to Huizilopochtli.

Serpent sculptures surrounding the pyramid are possibly of pre-Aztec origin.

There is a small museum of the site and the history that surrounds it.

Santa Cecilia Acatitlan

Another smaller pyramid is at Santa Cecilia Acatitlan, just north of Tenayuca. This one was rebuilt as the original was destroyed and some of its blocks were used to build the Santa Cecelia Parish church that is next to it.

This pyramid has one staircase and one temple atop.

There is a museum with a small collection of pre-Hispanic sculptures.

Getting to Tlalnepantla is easy due to its proximity to Mexico City.

The following are common transportation options:

Mexico City has Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente (TAPO) and Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de la Ciudad de Mexico (Tapo). From these terminals, you can find buses that connect to Tlalnepantla.

Mexico City’s Line 4 metro (subway) connects Tlalnepantla with the city.

Taxis and rideshare services are available in Mexico City and can take you directly to Tlalnepantla. Make sure to use authorized services, and it’s often helpful to have the destination address written down.

Renting a car is another option if you prefer the flexibility of driving.

Before your journey, it’s advisable to check the latest travel information and routes. Tlalnepantla’s central location and connectivity make it accessible for visitors arriving from various parts of Mexico City and beyond.