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Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)

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4.5 star rating: Recommended 173 Reviews

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  • Address: Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Admission: Varies

Mexico City ATTRACTIONS See all

Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor) Tours

Overview
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.
 
The Basics
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.
 
Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.
 
Things to Know Before You Go
  • Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
  • You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
  • The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.
 
How to Get There
Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.
 
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.
 
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.

Tours & Tickets

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Skip the Line: Templo Mayor Museum Entrance Ticket, Mexico City, null
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 2

Skip the Line: Templo Mayor Museum Entrance Ticket

Save time and take advantage of this unique option with TripAdvisor/Viator to buy your entrance ticket to the Site Museum of Templo Mayor, skipping the lines. ...  Read more

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: 6 to 8 hrs

From USD $6.00
Mexico City Sightseeing and Teotihuacan Tour, Mexico City, Museum Tickets & Passes
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Mexico City Sightseeing and Teotihuacan Tour

Mexico City is indeed a modern important cultural city declare by UNESCO World Heritage City, Former Aztec City of Mexico Tenochtitlan. Visit the Zocalo (main ...  Read more

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

From USD $72.00
Mexico City Layover Tour: Downtown City Sightseeing, Mexico City, City Tours
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Mexico City Layover Tour: Downtown City Sightseeing

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 10 Reviews

Will you have a long stop in between your flights? Come and walk with us in the historic downtown of Mexico City. A quick walking tour can be designed to fit ...  Read more

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: Flexible

From USD $45.00
Mexico City Downtown Highlights Tour with Guadalupe Shrine and Optional Torre Latinoamericana, ... 
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Mexico City Downtown Highlights Tour with Guadalupe Shrine and Optional Torre Latinoamericana

3 star rating: Worth doing 2 Reviews

See the most important monuments in Mexico City on a walking tour through the Centro Histórico, the city's UNESCO–listed historic center. Plus, visit the ...  Read more

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)

From USD $16.99

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