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All Mexico Mexico City Temple Ehécatl

Temple Ehécatl

This Aztec structure remained hidden until the demolition of a supermarket exposed the lost temple.

Mexico City, Mexico

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Mario Yair T.S.
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Ehécatl offering zone.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Ehécatl offering zone.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Temple Ehécatl.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Temple Ehécatl.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
Archeological window.   Mario Yair TS / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This parking lot of the shopping center Plaza Tlatelolco is cut in half by a strange white building. When looking out the windows of the building, visitors can spot a structure that dates back to the pre-Columbian period. 

According to archaeologists, this ancient temple was dedicated to the deity of the wind, Ehécatl Quetzalcoatl. The temple's architecture is similar to another pyramid discovered in Pino Suarez Metro dedicated to the same deity. 

It's believed the temple was part of the Aztec city-state known as Tlatelolco. Upon excavation, a small urn was discovered at the site containing offerings to Ehécatl. Inside were bird bones, obsidian, maguey thorns, copal remains, and representations of monkeys and duckbills (common figures used to represent Ehécatl.) Excavating even further into the site, human remains and a few full skeletons were discovered. 

The temple was discovered in 2014 when a previous supermarket was demolished to make way for the shopping center located above. To ensure that visitors would be able to see the marvelous discovery, two archaeological windows were crafted, one in the parking lot and another at street level where pedestrians can take a peek at Aztec history. 

Related Tags

Temples Hidden History Aztec Malls Shops

Know Before You Go

Although dark, the temple can be seen from the parking lot or from Flores Magón Avenue. If your interest increases, you can request a personalized guided tour that includes entrance to the shrine to see it more closely. 

You should call from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the following telephone numbers:55830295 and 57822240.

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Mario Yair TS

Published

January 15, 2020

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  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Templo+Mayor+Museum/@19.4346038,-99.1340697,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x85d1f92d7281d1dd:0x8c90beca651436b0!2sTemplo+Mayor+Museum!8m2!3d19.4346038!4d-99.131881!3m4!1s0x85d1f92d7281d1dd:0x8c90beca651436b0!8m2!3d19.4346038!4d-99.131881
Temple Ehécatl
38 Mercado
Mexico City, 06300
Mexico
19.450262, -99.140243
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Nearby Places

Memorial 68

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

'Xipe Totec'

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

Pyramids of Tlatelolco

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Mexico City

Mexico City

Mexico

Places 180
Stories 17

Nearby Places

Memorial 68

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

'Xipe Totec'

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

Pyramids of Tlatelolco

Mexico City, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Mexico City

Mexico City

Mexico

Places 180
Stories 17

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