Mexican Architecture
Mexican architecture is a style of architecture that originated in Mexico, or outside of Mexican borders by Mexican designers, and/or architects. It is world famous, and considered a huge part of Mexico’s World Heritage by UNESCO, mostly for it’s religiously influenced architectural design. Mexico’s Cathedrals and Churches have been admired and studied at universities for centuries. Mexican architecture is evolving and turning into something more than baroque period designs, and colonial finishes, albeit there is still a long way to go. Because of it’s unique beauty, incredible structure and outstanding functionality, these are the cities in Mexico have been recognized internationally for World Heritage, due to their unique and exquisite architecture:
Campeche, not only does Campeche hold the biggest natural reserve of protected jungle in the world, but it’s architecture is representative of the military design of the XVII and the XVIII centuries. It possesses 500 meters of wall, two ports, two forts, and eight strongholds or bastions.
Mexico City’s grandiosity comes from the fusion of the Aztecs’ incredible engineering, and european Catholic architecture. Located in the belly button of the country, it’s 46 stunning cathedrals in the Metropolitan area will make your heart skip a beat while admiring the sheer magnificence of its construction.
Guanajuato, located in central Mexico, has a rich history in silver mining, and it’s colonial and baroque architecture lines it’s narrow streets, alleyways, and tunnels. Here is where the famous Alley of the Kiss (Callejon del Beso) is, named like this because the balconies are close enough for a couple to reach across and kiss.
Morelia, It remains as the number one travel destination, without a beach, in Mexico. A Baroque style Morelia Cathedral stands tall, proud and magnificent, as one of the most spectacular world heritage sites, where it’s twin towers guard the city’s main square.
Puebla, America’s (The Continent) Reliquary. The Shrine by choice. Founded in 1531, Puebla has had Spanish, French, and some Italian Venetian architecture influence – by settlers who settled in the region of Chipilo, to not only exemplify the town, but also to produce some of the most delicious cheeses in the region.
Querétaro, from the aqueduct to one of the most beautiful, and well preserved downtown areas in the country, it’s colonial architecture is visibly present not only in the buildings, but also on the streets, curves, fountains and sculptures all around the city. It’s myriad of small stores are filled with some of the most exquisite jewelry, embroidery and arts / crafts in the world.
San Miguel de Allende, you simply must visit to believe it; conservative, baroque, authentic integrity. No wonder this small town made it on the list.
Tlacotalpan, in Veracruz definitely has the most visited square in the country. It’s cafes and coffee shops around the square are famous for serving one of the best locally grown coffees in the world. With its wide streets, columns and arches, it is one of the best places in the world to sit back speak about anything, or everything and enjoy a steaming hot cup of coffee
Zacatecas, with its pink Quarry stone, Zacatecas is a unique city. It’s main square followed a capricious order in it’s planning, making it a vibrant, bright pink town that turns in all kinds of amazing orange hues with it’s jaw dropping sunsets.
Although Zihuatanejo is not included in this list, and it is still pretty much a fisherman’s village, we at Zozaya Arquitectos thrive on preserving not only Zihuatanejo’s beauty and innocence, but by leaving a minimal environmental footprint with our construction. We specialize in using not only local handy work, but utilizing local materials, and implementing them as part of the construction. We at Zar are invested in preventing Zihua from becoming another concrete disaster, by respecting nature and becoming one with it, with minimal ecosystem presence.