Mexico Through the Viewfinder

La Roma

betynoguez — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:30:00 GMT

Mexico City has plenty of colorful neighborhoods with rich history and particular features.

This time, I chose "La Roma", because of its landmark architecture and sparkling cultural life.

La Roma was built during the three first decades of the 20th century. It combines various architectural styles, from Art Deco to Art Noveau, neoclassical nd neo-Gothic. It was home to wealthy families

In the 70's and 80's, the wealthy families started moving to new, fancy american style neighborhoods in the nerby Polanco and Lomas areas. The decline was complete during the 80's, when a huge earthquake hit Mexico City, and "La Roma" suffered serious damages, as did other neighborhoods within the central area of the city. Inhabitants fleed to the suburbs and the neighborhood was left almost in ruins.

Fortunately, during the first decade of this century, La Roma was subject to a comprehensive renovation, and now is a cultural, artistic and gastronomic hub. The cosmopolitan atmosphere felt almost everywhere is at its peak along Alvaro Obregon avenue, which has a broad median in which people walk during the afternoons, and flea markets and art bazaars set shop during the weekend.

You can definitely find all kinds of cuisine in this area, but the main attraction is decidedly the architecture: there are landmark buildings that are a must for the visitor, like the Balmori building, the Parian, and the Casa de las Brujas (Witches' house). There are several boutique hotels, most of them occupy one of the 1,400 Heritage buildings in the neighborhood.

Whenever you visit Mexico City, save some time to take a walk around La Roma; its many restaurantes, shops, art galleries and attractions will make for a memorable visit.

Starting Point

betynoguez — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:43:00 GMT

It just seems right to start off a trip into Mexico just in the place where you are most likely to land: Mexico City. Almost eight eight hundred years old, this Metropoli is a mosaic of cultures, and just to get to know all the really important places would take you a lifetime. There is something for every taste and age, and what a better way to know it than by the side of someone who has spent almost all her life there. I hope what you find in this lines proves useful for your trips, or at least enternaining and interesting. This said, let's start with one of the "Musts" of this incredible city: Downtown or "Centro Histórico".

Once an island in the middle of a lake, this city has been witness to most of Mexico's History. Inhabited by the Aztecs and conquered by the Spaniards in the XVI century, it has suffered major transformations along its turbulent existence. The "Centro Historico" or downtown, shelters the physical witnesses of all this convulsion. Admired for its colonial architechture, it huge square or Zócalo and history-filled streets, it is a must for any traveler who intends to say "I have been to Mexico City". You cannot miss the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, both sitting around the Zócalo (Main Square) which is the beating heart of all who live in the city. From there, you can walk west through Tacuba street until you reach the Fine Arts Palace, and the Alameda Park. Needless to sy, along this journey you will find all kinds of stores, restaurants and curiosities that will keep you very busy. You should set apart at least a couple of days in your trip to see this magical, surreal and vital area.

Photos: México

betynoguez — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:39:00 GMT