Tacuba Street, which runs from the Historic Center of Mexico City to the British Pantheon, is considered the oldest in the American continent..
In its more than eight kilometers in length, this street houses old mansions and imposing buildings. In addition, some events that marked the history of Mexico happened on it. Here we tell you more about its origin.
Origin of Tacuba street
This main artery of the current CDMX was built between the years of 1377 and 1389, according to some historians. It was one of the main roads for the Mexicanwell it was a main route of trade between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, Tacuba, Tepeyac and Tlatelolco.
At first it was known as “Tlacopan” road, which in Nahuatl means “place of the jarilla plant”. The latter is a type of yellow flower that grew in the surroundings of this area located to the west of the Valley of Mexico. For this reason, the Tacuba Metro station bears the figure of a jarilla as a symbol.
However, with the arrival of the Spanish to the Greater Tenochtitlan the name of the causeway was changed to “Mexico-Tacuba“.
In the year 1523, the geometer Francisco de la Maza, who made the first plans of New Spain, decided to keep the tacuba street. It was at this time that it was given the epithet “the oldest street in the Americas”..
Currently, the street runs through a large part of the country’s capital and reaches the border area with the municipality of Naucalpan, State of Mexico.
It is divided into five distinct sections:
- Tacuba.
- Hidalgo Avenue.
- Mexico-Tenochtitlan (formerly known as Puente de Alvarado).
- Bank of San Cosme.
- Mexico-Tacuba.
Historical events and buildings
It is important to point out that the tacuba street it also acquires relevance due to the historical events that took place on it; in addition to the architectural jewels that are preserved in its surroundings.
1.- Plaza of the Victorious Night
It was formerly known as Sad Night Square, but the current government of Mexico City decided to change its name in homage to the “indigenous resistance”. These changes took place in the context of the 500th anniversary of the conquest of Mexico.
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Legend has it that fIt was in this place where Hernán Cortés shed his tears next to the tree in the plaza. The cry of the Spanish conquistador It was for losing a battle in 1520 against the Mexicaswho besieged the Spanish.
2. National Museum of Art
In the year 1867, the Corpse of Emperor Maximilian veiled behind closed doors in what was the chapel of the San Andres Hospital.
However, the hospital disappeared in 1904 by order of the president Porfirio Diazwho in his place ordered the construction of the Former Palace of the Ministry of Communications and Public Works. Building that currently houses the National Art’s Museum (WORLDWIDE).
3. Postal Palace
In front of the MUNAL you can see the Postal Palacea site that stands out for its architectural details and its golden colors.
It was built in 1907 and was known as the Fifth Post Office. Its architecture combines styles ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau. Currently, the building still receives clients as part of the Mexican Postal Service.
4. Tacuba Coffee
This popularly known café was founded in 1912 inside a 17th century mansion. For generations, its halls witnessed the gatherings of artists, intellectuals and presidents.
It is important to note that a part of this site was also hosted by the first women’s psychiatric hospitalwhich was attended by nuns, during the colonial era.
Another of the emblematic data is that the name of the Mexican band Cafe Tacvbais due to this place.
5. Central Mall
Along the Tacuba roadway, the first places of recreation that were erected during the colonial era also flourished.
The Central mall It is one of them. It was inaugurated at the end of the 16th century on the initiative of Viceroy Luis de Velasco.
This park, which is located next to the Palace of Fine Artsis usually one of the most endearing meeting points for the inhabitants and visitors of CDMX.
Is any of these places your favorite for a walk?