Plaza de las Tres Culturas Tours and Activities

Learn about three Mexican cultures and their clashes and overlaps in this archaeological site near the heart of Mexico City.

Get familiar with Mexico’s sometimes violent history with a visit to the Plaza de las Tres Culturas or Square of Three Cultures. Find artefacts from ancient Aztec, colonizing Spanish and modern-day Mexican cultures in this historic area.

This square features the remains of the old city of Tlatelolco. Here the Spanish colonists defeated the Aztecs in a savage battle in the early 1500s, clearing the way for a complete takeover of the country by the Spaniards and virtual elimination of the Aztec population. Reflect on this brutal history while viewing the excavated Aztec pyramid, built nearly 700 years ago.

Spanish architectural influence on the site appears in the construction of the Church of Santiago, built from volcanic rock in the early 1600s. Enter the church to see a simple stone altar and old fresco patches on the plaster walls. Cool lighting from the blue stained-glass windows creates a sombre and relaxing atmosphere.

While the Aztec battle resulted in extermination of a proud people, the modern significance of the site is also violent. In 1968 just a few days before Mexico City’s hosting of the Olympic Games, thousands of students occupied the square to protest Mexican government practices. Authorities fired on the students, killing scores of unarmed protesters. See the memorial museum dedicated to the victims and reflect once more on the brutality inflicted by one group of people upon another at this site.

The Plaza de las Tres Culturas is just northeast of central Mexico City near other attractions in the historical district. Take the metro to the Flores Magón or Avenida Paseo de la Reforma stop. Entry to the archaeological site is free. Combine a trip to the area with a visit to La Lagunilla Market for souvenir or necessities shopping. The market has numerous stalls with varied handicrafts and unexpected oddities. Cross Paseo de la Reforma and walk a few minutes south.