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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Historic church built in the late 16th century. Spectacular main altar and chapels in side niches containing paintings from the colonial period.
San Bernardino de Siena Church is the parish church of the borough of Xochimilco in Mexico City. The church and former monastery complex was built in the 16th century over a former pre-Hispanic temple as part of evangelization efforts after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Since its construction, it has been the center of much of Xochimilco’s history and social life, including ceremonies related to is famous image of the Child Jesus called the Niñopa. The interior of the church contains a rare 16th-century altarpiece in Plateresque style with no columns or other supports. The only other altarpiece like it is in Huejotzingo, Puebla.
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take one of hundreds of boats (trajineras) through the canals which is all that is left of the lake on which Mexico City was built. This activity used to be widely enjoyed by Mexicans and it used to be one of the more authentic tourist experiences available. Nowadays however locals no longer consider it a nice experience because of the decay. The water quality, environmental health, and size of the canal system has declined due to overuse of groundwater, illegally built homes along the canals, and even attempts to fill or block some of the canals. The boats are colorfully painted and often bear the name of the owner's female child or other relative. There are set prices depending on the size of boat and length of the ride, though if you speak Spanish this can be bargained on. You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch on the larger boats, as they have a long table down the middle. As you travel down the canals, music boats float by with bands, mariachi trios, and marimba players, and for a fee you can have them float along beside you and play the songs that you request. As you travel you will see city life, restaurants, and greenhouses where flowers and plants are grown. Further beyond the city canals there is a wildlife preserve in which the original character of the chinampas (Aztec-era "floating gardens") may be seen.
This is one of the most important modern art museums in Mexico City. Housed in a historic 16th century hacienda, it is a stellar model of colonial Spanish architecture. The museum is best known for having the world's best collection of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Art aficianados will salivate over the collection of 148 of Kahlo's most important paintings. The museum has been closed for the past five years; initially because of the COVID pandemic, but even afterwards as the museum underwent extensive renovations. Advance ticket reservations are being accepted now.
PEX
189 hectare recreational park with lakes, cienegas (springs), canals, and gardens. Picnic areas, playground, a miniature train ride, and paddleboats for rent.
Archaeological site that was once a ceremonial center of the Xochimilco people, who predated the arrival of the Aztecs. The site dates from 1265 AD and is best known for its many petroglyphs of animals, warriors, butterflies and more. The petroglyphs are in good condition and are protected by metal enclosures.