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98-590: Toluca [toˈluka] , officially Toluca de Lerdo [toˈluka ðe ˈleɾdo] , is the state capital of the State of Mexico as well as the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. Toluca has a population of 910,608 as of the 2020 census. The city forms the core of the Greater Toluca metropolitan area, which with a combined population of 2,347,692 forms the fifth most populous metropolitan area in

196-459: A Franciscan monastery. The Chamber of Deputies building contains murals done by Leopoldo Flores , which together are known as Construction: Images and Flight depicting man constructing buildings and himself at the same time. The municipal palace and the Chamber of Deputies are decorated with Neoclassic façades, but the other government buildings, built in the 1960s are faced with tezontle in

294-517: A 4,200-metre (13,800-foot) runway and is located 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Toluca and 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the country's capital, thus serving as an overflow airport for Mexico City. This airport has started a development initiative of the Federal and State Governments, as well as the private sector, which provided an investment of almost 3,200 million U.S. dollars in the last 2 years. This airport has created 4,500 jobs and has contributed to

392-471: A Mexican painter who graduated from the San Carlos Academy. It is located in downtown Toluca on Jose Ma. Morelos street. Los Portales represent the social and commercial life of the city. They are a composed of three sets of arches or portals that extend on the 3 sides of the city block that extends behind the main cathedral. Behind the sets of arches there is walking space that takes you around

490-735: A State one and a Municipal one. The one from the State is the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México . Higher education institutions have marching bands, and in some towns there are wind bands. The dancing institutions include the Instituto Mexiquense de Cultura. There are also schools of dance such as the Escuela de Bellas Artes and the UAEM . There is also a youth marching band of Toluca called "Eagles of Anahuac". This band

588-439: A ceremonial plaza characteristics, has three stairways to access the top, divided by smooth slopped wall sections (alfardas). The center, without a doubt the most important access is approximately 10 meters wide, lateral stairways are 6 meters. It is thought that there were at least three temples at the top. Remains of a stuccoed floor can be seen on top. This building has a "Probe" or exploration entrance made by archaeologists on

686-411: A compacted fill surface, see photographs. Every room had a square sunken hole, with charcoal remains, that probably were used for heating, cooking or burning ritual Copal . Probably the royal residence of the main city governor, consists of 7 rooms around a private patio and private access, also possibly guards rooms. The rooms are of different sizes and certainly different uses. This basement has

784-508: A geographical extent of 420.14 km (162.2 sq mi), includes numerous communities other than Toluca de Lerdo, the largest of which are the municipalities of San Pablo Autopan and San José Guadalupe Otzacatipan. The municipality is bordered by the municipalities of Almoloya de Juárez , Temoaya , Otzolotepec , Xonacatlán , Lerma , San Mateo Atenco , Metepec , Calimaya , Tenango del Valle , Villa Guerrero and Zinacantepec . The Lerma River flows from Lake Almoloya del Río through

882-473: A group of workers saw two large lizards go into a group of stones, the workers removed the stones, found the statue and removed it, and this got Payón upset. One of the workers (Joaquin Alvarez), took one arm, which he later returned. The temple is located within a large plaza, with a single stairway. It forms part of a group in a plaza, with a cross altar decorated with skulls, or mesoamerican tzompantli. At

980-506: A large terrace and there are remains of seven bases on the West side. It was restored between 2002 and 2004, personally by Mr. Alejandro Javier Hernandez, approved by INAH technical direction, but without any support or assistance. East of the main structure, is a hallway (south-north) at the southeast corner, it contains embedded three petroglyphs (see below gallery with composite pictures of petroglyphs). Not explored, located higher up on

1078-638: A leather workshop on Avenida Juárez. The Plaza de Fray Andrés de Castro is located next to Los Portales and connected to the older arches by means of a passageway with a transparent roof. It is a semi-enclosed space which was once the sacristy of the La Asunción Franciscan Monastery. The sacristy was built by Felipe de Ureña and José Rivera and is essentially a reproduction of the Santa María del Puerto hermitage in Madrid and

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1176-462: A little over half of the municipality's territory. Livestock raising is a greater source of income with 10,286 sites producing cattle, pigs, sheep and domestic fowl. Tourism is based on the Nevado de Toluca volcano and the archeological zone of Calixtlahuaca. Despite being little known internationally, they manage to represent about 50% of the state's tourism income. Toluca lies in the southern part of

1274-521: A male individual wearing sandals and mouth mask resembling a bird beak. It is a large circular temple with four construction stages. García Payon excavated the sculpture of a priest with a mask of the God Ehecatl . This object is one of the best-known sculptures of the Mexica style (Matos Moctezuma and Solis Olguín 2002). The statue was discovered by chance, during Payón explorations, in his absence,

1372-437: A variety of traditional candies such as "alegrías", "jamoncillos" (a candy bar with flavors such as lemon, pineapple, apple or chocolate), "lemons" (lemons decorated with coconut), "chilacayotes" (pumpkin in syrup), "cocadas" (mainly made with coconut), "palanquetas" (a peanut bar covered with melted sugar). States of Mexico The states are the first-level administrative divisions of Mexico and are officially named

1470-651: Is a group of Oaxaca vessels; five shaped as jaguar paw, another with a Zapotec glyph, some are made with the characteristic gray clay of that region, belonging to the Xoo Phase, or Monte Albán IIIb/IV, in the Oaxaca Valley (Caso, et al. 1967; Martínez López, et al. 2000). The presences of these materials confirm the importance of trade practices within these regions, during the Classical and Postclassical periods (Smith y Lind 2005). The largest ceramic objects group

1568-623: Is a project to directly connect the Toluca-Mexico City highway to the east of the city to the Toluca-Atlacomulco highway the extends north. It will permit easier access to the airport as well as a bypass route for traffic heading from Mexico City to the west and northwest. The libramiento is already complete, but it is not used by many people because of the high tolls. The highways that connect Toluca with Mexico City and Guadalajara are being expanded and modernized due to

1666-474: Is also referred to in a number of Aztec codices as Tolutépetl , meaning hill of the god, Tolo, an allusion to the nearby volcano . The name Toluca de Lerdo was adopted in 1861 in honor of President Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada . The Valley of Toluca was known as Matlatzinco Valley in ancient times and home to at least four linguistic groups: the Matlatzinca , Otomi , Mazahua , and Nahua peoples. In

1764-429: Is called "20 de Noviembre" or "Constitución"; the southern one, with 44 arches, is called "Madero" and the western one, with 35 arches, is called "Reforma". There are four additional arches at the entrance to Avenida Independencia. Near Los Portales are some of the city's oldest businesses, some of which date from the 19th century such as the pharmacy on Calle Santos Degollado, a brass and iron workshop on Avenida Lerdo and

1862-470: Is closely tied to the growth and changes in economic activities that have occurred in the Mexico City metropolitan area. Most industrial enterprises are on the small and micro-level but the city has attracted a large number of international corporations. Major products produced include food processing, metals and machinery, paper products, printed matter as well as auto production. The industrial base of

1960-475: Is in reality a complex. Although García Payón identified it as a "Calmecac" (school and priests residence), is much more likely it actually was the Royal Palace in the city. It has the same type of other Aztec palaces (Evans 2004; Smith 2005a). Altogether it has 32 rooms, an original adobe wall, and three different stages of construction. It has interior corridors and access stairs to different levels. To

2058-402: Is lighted by round arched windows. The outside façade consists of two parts. The first has seven columned areas, as well as niches with the images of Saint John , Saint Thomas , Saint Peter and Saint James . The second part rises above the main doors with three columned areas containing balconies, stained-glass windows and balustrades , terminating in a rectilinear pediment with an image of

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2156-475: Is located in the economic center of Mexico. Toluca has become an important economic city because of its industries and infrastructure that produce drinks, food, textiles, cars, electric products and such. Since 1944, many industries have settled in Toluca rather than in other cities. In 1965, the industrial zone of Toluca-Lerma-Tianguistenco, which is located on the north side of Toluca, began to attract industries to

2254-479: Is now a botanical garden with more than 400 species of plants from all over the world. It also features a series of stained glass windows that are considered the largest in the world. These windows were created and designed by a Mexican artist named Leopoldo Flores . Cosmovitral was inaugurated in 1980 and completed in 1990. The stained glass ceiling represents the Milky Way and joins the "Hombre Sol" (Sun Man) with

2352-406: Is now the city of Toluca were included in the concession made by King Carlos V of Spain to Hernán Cortés . In 1524, the evangelization process started in Toluca. The most notable figure of this effort is Fray Andrés Castro, from Burgos , the old capital of Castile , by making a great number of improvements to the city and being the first one to learn the native Matlatzincan language. The friar

2450-492: Is one of the few remaining buildings of the old monastery. The square in front was recently remodeled but still contains traditional stores selling garapiña, traditional candies, tacos and other regional foods. The Municipal Historic Archive is located above the passageway leading to Los Portales was begun in 1867 by José Francisco de Paula on land originally belonging to the Asunción de Toluca Franciscan monastery. The building

2548-399: Is temperate subhumid with rain in summer. Its altitude favors the practice of high-performance sports, but as it is one of the most polluted cities in the country due to the emissions of its industrial corridor and the poor motorized public transportation of the last 3 years, outdoor exercise carries some risks for health. The Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club is the largest sports institution in

2646-837: Is the Zócalo, also known as Plaza de los Mártires ("Plaza of the Martyrs"), which includes buildings such as the Palace of the State Government and the Justice Palace (Palacio de Justicia). The square is named after events that took place after the Battle of Tenango Hill during the Mexican War of Independence . Insurgent commander José Maria Oviedo was faced with the royalist army of Rosendo Porlier, who succeeded in driving

2744-401: Is the coolest of any large Mexican city due to its altitude (2,680 metres or 8,790 feet above sea level). Winter nights are cold and the temperature may drop below 0 °C or 32 °F. Throughout the year, the temperature is rarely below −3 °C (26.6 °F) or above 27 °C (80.6 °F). The climate is prone to extended dry periods particularly in the winter. Almost nine-tenths of

2842-615: Is the home of a famous image of "Our Lord of the Holy Cross" also known as a "Black Christ". This image was originally housed in the San Francisco Temple, but the increasing number of worshippers dictated the building of its own sanctuary. Construction began in 1753, but because of friction between the Franciscans and worshippers, it was not completed until 1797. Although the original plans included two towers, only one

2940-470: Is the only volcano in Mexico that has two lagoons and can be reached by automobile. There have been proposals to turn this mountain into a ski hill because of its accessibility and the low temperatures that exist on the mountain throughout the year, but recent reports on global warming have raised fears that the snow cap on the mountain will disappear completely within a few decades. The area was converted into

3038-522: Is unique in Mexico in that one can enter the crater by car. Sierra Morelos Park is about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away from the center of Toluca. This is a reforested area with a small artificial lake, a picnic area and playground. Under the Köppen climate classification , Toluca features a subtropical highland climate ( Cwb ), with relatively cool, dry winters, and mild, wet, humid summers. Freezing temperatures are common during winter. Toluca's climate

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3136-506: Is used as a nickname for anything (anybody) from Toluca. Other popular dishes, which must be mentioned are " tacos de carnitas" (pork tacos) and "tacos de plaza" made of barbacoa, pork, chicharron (fried pork rind), papalo ( Porophyllum ruderale ), onion, coriander, nopales , cueritos , chili sauce, salt and lime. The traditional food includes vegetables from the region such as "quelites", "quintoniles", "huazontles", spinach, "verdolagas", carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and so forth. Toluca has

3234-595: The Nevado de Toluca National Park in January 1936 with about 1,517 km (585.7 sq mi) in area. The park has forest land, especially of pines and obeto trees. The prevalent animals are camp rats, teporingos, squirrels, tlacuaches, lizards, snakes, and eagles. On the lower part of this mountain there are picnic tables and BBQ grills. In the higher part of the volcano (inside) there are two lagoons in which visitors can practice scuba-diving and fishing. This volcano

3332-643: The Postclassic period, the valley was ruled by a large powerful capital city whose ruins are located today in the village of Calixtlahuaca , just north of the city of Toluca. In 1478 the Mexica emperor Axayacatl conquered the Toluca Valley . The capital was stripped of its dynasty and power and some lands were distributed to kings and nobles from the Valley of Mexico . One of the rivals of Calixtlahuaca

3430-653: The Purépechas of Michoacán, but a third Altepetl ( Tollocan ), wanted an association with the Aztecs. This division prompted the Matlatzinca migration to other regions, such as Tiripitío , Andarapeo , Huetamo , Charo and Undameo , among others. Axayacatl , the Tenochtitlan Huey Tlatoani (1469-1481) fought against Cuextapalin , a Mazatleca general, whose slingshot stuck Axayacatl in

3528-811: The United Mexican States . There are 32 federal entities in Mexico (31 states and the capital, Mexico City , as a separate entity that is not formally a state). States are further divided into municipalities . Mexico City is divided into boroughs , officially designated as demarcaciones territoriales or alcaldías , similar to other states' municipalities but with different administrative powers. Mexico's post agency, Correos de México , does not offer an official list of state name abbreviations, and as such, they are not included below. A list of Mexican states and several versions of their abbreviations can be found here . Notes: Calixtlahuaca Archaeologist José García Payón excavated

3626-847: The Universidad del Valle de México . There are currently 574 schools in Toluca, with about 8,320 teachers. The illiteracy rate is 7.33%, which is considered high. UAEM, the state's public university, has its roots in the Literary Institute, later named the Scientific and Literary Institute, which was founded in 1828. It has been a prestigious institution and educated figures such as José María Heredia , Ignacio Ramírez , Felipe Sánchez Solís, Ignacio Manuel Altamirano and Adolfo López Mateos . The Institute became an autonomous university in 1956. The original building, situated downtown near Benito Juárez street, has been remodeled and houses

3724-413: The "El Insurgente" interurban train will soon come into operation, later with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour and a length of 58 km it will link Toluca with Mexico City . It is connected 66 kilometers to the east with the Valley of Mexico , made up of Mexico City and its metropolitan area. Thanks to citizen pressure over the last decade, urban cycling is promoted and the agreement signed with

3822-441: The "Mexiquese Outer Loop" ( Circuito Exterior Mexiquense ) project, which aims to improve major highways leading from Mexico City to the rest of the country. One proposed highway, called Autopista Lerma - Tres Marías y Ramal Tenango (Lerma - Tres Marías and Tenango branch highway), aims to improve transit between Toluca and Cuernavaca, as well as other cities to the south. Currently, almost all major roadways serving Toluca transit in

3920-643: The Alfeñique Fair stands out, on the occasion of the annual Day of the Dead festival, and the Toluca International Film Festival. Toluca is located at 2600 meters above sea level, being the highest capital city in Mexico and North America, which makes it temperate throughout the year with average temperatures ranging between 6 and 25 degrees Celsius during spring and summer, and from −5 to 20 degrees Celsius in winter. Its climate

4018-750: The Ascension of the Lord. In this, the cathedral shares design elements with the Cathedral of Mexico City. Above this, there is a clock with sculptures depicting the Fathers of the Greek Orthodox Church , Saint John Chrisotomus, Saint Basil the Great , Saint Athanasius and Saint Gregory of Nyssa . The cathedral is topped by a dome with a bronze statue of Saint Joseph , who is the patron saint of

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4116-504: The Aztecs at about 1476 AD., during the reign of Tlatoani Axayacatl . As the city was destroyed, the Aztecs built a new city that was then called Calixtlahuaca. In 1510, the Matlatzinca tried to end the Aztec tutelage and Moctezuma II immediately ordered the city destroyed and the inhabitants fled west towards Michoacán. Later, the city was repopulated by various groups, which concentrated on agriculture, farming and animal husbandry. Among

4214-593: The Calixtlahuaca temples, marking his victory on a stone. The last rebellion attempt occurred in 1510, and the Aztec Tlatoani Montezuma II , ordered the destruction of the area, which led to the emigration of its inhabitants to Michoacán. As a result of some of the investigations performed, the following occupation periods have been interpreted and established: The Postclassic site extended approximately 264 hectares, covering portions of

4312-471: The Chamber of Deputies are recent constructions, but the buildings housing the state court and the municipal palace date from the 19th century. The state court building originally was the home of the state government and was designed by Ramón Rodriguez Arangoiti, who also designed the imperial wing of the Chapultepec Castle . The municipal palace was completed in 1873 on land that once belonged to

4410-566: The Galaxy of Andromeda . It is a monumental piece measuring 3,200 square metres (34,445 square feet) with more than 30 thousand pieces and half a million glass pieces of 28 different colors coming from many different parts of the world such as Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Japan, Canada and the United States. It has a series of scenes that symbolize man's search of the light, the good and the wisdom to elevate his spirit to liberate him from

4508-567: The Toluca industrial park. Mercedes-Benz manufactures the C-Class, E-Class, G-Class, here and upgrades the GL-Class, S-Class and CLS-Class to armored vehicles at this facility. BMW manufactures its 3, 5, 7 and X5 series and also offers armored variants. Toluca has an infrastructure of highways that connect the city with the main cities of the country as well as its international Airport, and inter-city bus Station. The Libramiento (bypass) Toluca

4606-399: The Toluca metropolitan area employs over 33% of the municipality's population and 6% of the entire state's population. Outside of the metropolitan area, the economy is still based on agriculture and livestock, with some income from tourism. Only a little over four percent of the total municipal population engages in agriculture raising corn, wheat, beans, potatoes, peas, fava beans and oats on

4704-414: The Toluca, Cuernavaca and Mexico City metropolitan areas. There are also concerns that the highway will extend development into small towns that do not want it. A commuter rail line known as Toluca–Mexico City commuter rail will connect Toluca to Mexico City. As of October 2020, it was estimated to open in 2023. Toluca is served by Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport . The airport has

4802-557: The United Nations Organization for the use and respect of the bicycle as a sustainable means of mass transportation. Its tourist attractions are several due to the great cultural and artistic heritage that has managed to keep alive the union of Hispanic and indigenous culture. Its traditional portals, the Cosmovitral botanical garden and multiple parks, museums, centers and cultural events stand out, among which

4900-419: The West, with communication corridors to the various areas and access to the private housing compound, which has a series of rooms around an internal private patio. This area has another access from the southeast corner of the site. A third entrance provides northern access, to the ceremonial area or the main square. The main features of all rooms are: All rooms had stuccoed floors, built over gravel placed on

4998-523: The annual rainfall occurs between June and September. Just outside the heavily industrialized city, the municipality has forests with oak, pine, fir, cedar, cypress and other flora, characteristic of the temperate zone of central Mexico. In colonial times, Toluca first gained economic importance as a producer of smoked and cured meats, especially chorizo sausage. The nearby town of Lerma still carries on this tradition. However, since that time, Toluca's economy has expanded far beyond sausage to become one of

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5096-765: The area. The city now has five additional major industrial parks: Corredor Industrial Toluca, Parque Industrial Lerma, Parque Industrial Exportec I., Parque Industrial Exportec II and the Parque Industrial El Coecillo. Chrysler's Toluca Car Assembly has manufactured automobiles since 1968. The 220-acre (0.89 km) complex employs 2300 people. Other companies located here or that have industrial parks in Toluca are BMW , Mercedes-Benz , Coca-Cola , Femsa , Grupo Bimbo , Nissan , Nestlé , Pfizer , Bayer , Crisa , Barcel , Knorr , Trelleborg Automotive, and HSBC . Many of those aforementioned companies have complete manufacturing and R&D facilities in

5194-495: The center of the municipality towards the west, flowing into Lake Chapala . From this point westward the river takes the name of Río Grande de Santiago . And it goes from this lake to the Pacific Ocean in the state of Nayarit . The river is about 1,180 km (730 mi) long; about 60% of it is known as Lerma River and 40% as Santiago River. The Nevado de Toluca or Xinantécatl is 30 km (19 mi) southwest of

5292-531: The city which was founded on February 12, 1917. The club's stadium Estadio Nemesio Diez . It was officially inaugurated on August 8, 1954, and has a capacity for 30,000 spectators. Currently, the men's club has been participating in the Liga MX since 1954. It also has a women's professional soccer club Deportivo Toluca Femenil that has participated in the Liga MX Femenil since in 2017, the women's club

5390-408: The city, holding the infant Jesus . Overall the cathedral is a mix of styles, represents the various stages in which it was built and remodeled. The Tercer Orden Temple is located to the side of the main cathedral. Its façade is integrated into the main cathedral's in the popular indigenous Baroque architecture of the 18th century. It was the seat of the bishopric until 1978, when it was moved to

5488-510: The city. The god Tolo was supposed to reside in the volcano's crater. Its original indigenous name was Chignahualtecatl which means "Nine Mountains" but later was named Xinantecatl which means "naked man", because the silhouette of its crater resembles a sleeping man, before the Spaniards named it Nevado , meaning "snow-covered". It is a place of increasing sporting activity, such as mountain biking , climbing , and high altitude running. It

5586-519: The communities in the Mexico City metropolitan area. There are two "outer spheres" of the metropolitan area. The first consists of the municipalities of Almoloya del Río , Capulhuac , Mexicaltzingo , San Antonio la Isla , Tenango del Valle and Xonacatlán . The furthest sphere consists of Santiago Tianguistenco , Santa María Rayón , Santa Cruz Atizapán and Chapultepec, México . These spheres are defined not only by geographical distance but also by population growth and rate of urbanization. Toluca

5684-401: The country. Located 63 kilometres (39 mi) southwest of Mexico City , the city's rapid growth stems largely from its proximity to the capital. It is mainly an industrial city that borders Metepec , one of the richest municipalities in the country. The Toluca Valley has a good level of infrastructure. Its airport is considered the first option to relieve Mexico City and the first stage of

5782-404: The dean's offices. The university has installations in various parts of the city, but the most noticeable is "Ciudad Universitaria" (lit. "university city"), a campus built around the hill Cerro de Coatepec. A monumental bust of Adolfo López Mateos , alumnus and former president of Mexico (1958–1964), is displayed at the top of the hill. Private schools in Toluca include: The center of the town

5880-489: The eastern facade of Building III, which was damaged by constant and strong storms. In 2002 Dr. Michael E. Smith initiated a new research project at Calixtlahuaca. This project was sponsored by Arizona State University and the National Science Foundation , and fieldwork began in 2006 with a full-coverage intensive survey of the site. In 2007 a series of houses and terraces were excavated, revealing

5978-656: The end of the Revolution. A monument to Father Miguel Hidalgo , the "father" of the Mexican Revolution is in the center of the square. It was created in Florence by Rivalta in 1899. The pedestal has reliefs depicting the storming of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas and the Battle of Monte de las Cruces. The central plaza is surrounded by state and municipal government buildings. The state government palace and

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6076-483: The following: Toluca is home to a series of traditional festivities such as the typical solemn "silent procession" that takes place every Holy Friday when the Catholic congregation from Toluca and its surroundings get together in the centre of the city to express their respect and devotion for Jesus Christ 's sacrifice. Easter and Lent are celebrated in a similar way. Currently, there are two official orchestras:

6174-504: The form of life of the inhabitants of Calixtlahuaca for the first time. It is believed that the initial settlers of this region were nomadic natives who used to visit seasonally. Lázaro Manuel Muñoz (over 200 years ago), stated that the Matlatzincas , or their nomad ancestors, visited this site at least 640 BCE (a theory appears consistent with Lorenzo Boturini ) and that Otomi hunter-gatherer groups were present 3,000 years ago at

6272-414: The hill side. Not explored, located higher up on the hill side. Comprises remains of a large basement, about 85 meters wide by 100 long, García Payon found an engraved round stone with a hole in the center, similar to those embedded at ballgame courts, he assumed it was one, there has not been any further exploration, it is located approximately 500 North of Temple 3, within the urban area. Monumento 17

6370-497: The increase of commercial activity for the metropolitan area. It has also attracted many airline passengers who live in Mexico City to use the Toluca airport, which represents migration in potential consumers of 2.2 million passengers in 2007 and it is projected that for 2008 up to five millions travelers may utilize the Toluca Airport, which would make it the 4th busiest in the country. Toluca's Huizi public bike share system

6468-494: The leg (causing a lifetime injury), and tried to take him prisoner unsuccessfully. Later, the Aztecs returned with their Tollocan allies and fought against Matlatzinca in 1474, taking 11,070 prisoners to be sacrificed in Tenochtitlan, thus preventing further uprisings in the region, as well as resettling Nahua families to Calixtlahuaca. From 1482 to 1484, there was another attempted Matlatzinca rebellion, but Tizoc destroyed

6566-501: The main cathedral. The temple contains a number of paintings, including The Three Orders and The Family Tree of Saint Francis . The Cosmovitral is located in a stone and ironwork building in the center of Toluca, designed in 1910 by engineer Manuel Arratia in order to accommodate the "16 de Septiembre" market. It was constructed in Art Nouveau and Neoclassical style, with an area of 5,000 square metres (53,820 square feet). It

6664-421: The monumental architecture at Calixtlahuaca in the 1930s and restored a number of temples and other buildings. Most notable are Structure 3, a circular temple dedicated to the Aztec wind god Ehecatl , and Structure 17, a large royal “palace”. The architecture and stone sculpture at the site is similar to that of other Middle to Late Postclassic period (AD 1100–1520) Aztec sites in central Mexico . In 1930,

6762-423: The most industrialized areas in Mexico. Its geographic position in the center of the country and proximity to Mexico City as well as its well-developed infrastructure, have allowed Toluca to grow into a major industrial zone for the state. Toluca began consolidating in the 1940s, but the most intense industrialization began in the 1950s and continued through most of the 1980s. The growth and industrialization of Toluca

6860-565: The municipalities formed were Tollocan , Tenancingo , Ocuilan , Calimaya and Tepemaxalco , the latter being the most important. The Matlatzinca lands were considered a corn producing region, and this may have been the main reason for the continued invasions from the epiclassical period, first by the Toltecs and subsequently by Chālcah (confederacies) in the 12th century. The region was divided into three Altepetls , two of which were prepared to remain independent and possibly associate with

6958-638: The north side of the plaza is another structure. This cross altar, had skulls carved in stone embedded around the structure. Originally had more than ten, today there are only two original and the replica of a third, this structure was explored in 1940 by the Guatemalan Archaeologist Carlos Navarrete. Also called the Pantheon, approximately 50 human burials were found here with offerings (gold, ceramic, rocks of obsidian , and arrowheads.) These structures were built on

7056-614: The north side, showing three constructive stages. (See Picture) It has been confirmed in this temple, that there are no secret chambers or tombs, as is normal in similar temples in the Mexico Highlands. On the west side of the plaza, in front of the main temple, is a series of basements, with remains of constructions, a stair called “K” by García Payón and two beautiful slope-panel constructions, Teotihuacan style. García Payón excavated burials containing ceramic, very similar to vessels from several Teotihuacan stages. Also there

7154-475: The north. It will allow transit from Toluca to southern and eastern destinations bypassing Mexico City but connecting the city with the Mexico City–Cuernavaca highway. However, the project is opposed by Greenpeace Mexico as well as a number of local groups, primarily due to the possible damage it can cause to the "Great Water Forest" "Gran Bosque del Agua" forest, which contains an important aquifer for

7252-463: The now dried up lake, which was fed by melting water from Nevado de Toluca . Subsequently, the Matlatzinca arrived and founded a small settlement which became under eventual Toltec cultural influence. It is also believed that the Matlatzinca ethnic group belonged to the Nahua family that had previously invaded the territory. The town of Tecaxic was conquered by the mexicas and became dominated by

7350-481: The place where this occurred was named "Plaza of the Martires". In 1812, the first city council of Toluca was installed. In 1821, independence was proclaimed by the local authorities. After the creation of the State of Mexico in 1825, the state capital moved to different cities several times. In 1830, Toluca was designated as the constitutional capital of the State of Mexico. In 1832, the building of "Los Portales"

7448-427: The pre-Hispanic city of Tollocan was destroyed and covered over by the expansion of Toluca, or else the remains of Tollocan could lie outside of the modern city. A small Postclassic site was discovered on the hill called Tolochi, which is in the north of the modern city, but the remains seem too insubstantial to have been a major provincial capital. The tree of "Las Manitas Rojas", which literally means "little red hands",

7546-405: The preserved area of site had an extension of 144 hectares, today it only has 116. Between 1988 and 1998, some projects have been implemented to preserve and protect the site contents. These projects included drainage requirements, leveling of some areas, signaling, site regulations, and protection against urban growth. In 1998, archeologist Jorge Villanueva Villalpando restored the south wall of

7644-471: The rebels northward to Toluca. Viceroy Venegas ordered reinforcements for Porlier's army and dispersed the insurgents, causing them to lose artillery and supplies. In addition, the royalist forces took over a hundred prisoners and executed them in the main square. The bodies of the prisoners were buried in a mass grave behind what is now the Municipal Palace. A temple was built over the spot after

7742-504: The remains of the old Temple of San Francisco. The interior of the temple exhibits neoclassical style with gold-leaf. It features oil paintings from the aforementioned times, such as the "Birth of San Pedro Nolasco", founder of the Mercenarios order. The temple became a hospice for orphans and beggars. Baroque construction style can be seen in the pilasters, niches and the order's shield. Inside, you can see paintings of Felipe Gutierrez,

7840-562: The shadows of evil and the ignorance in an epic tale without beginning or end. At the spring equinox, the solar disc crosses the heart of "El hombre Sol" (the sun man), causing an explosion of light. Toluca has a lot of green areas and among them is the Sierra Morelos park, this park is one of the largest in the city that covers 302 hectares is located on the slopes of Cerro de La Teresona and houses an important population of forests of pine, eucalyptus and oak. The Santa Veracruz Temple

7938-593: The state and he started the most important modernization process of the city in the 19th century. In 1881, The Industrial Union was founded, the railroad was opened and the Bank of State of Mexico created the first bills in the country. In 1882, the Teachers College was founded. In 1910, people celebrated a century of Independence, and the Plaza España was inaugurated. The municipality of Toluca, which has

8036-555: The stores that are contained within. The western arches follow the perimeter of what was the La Asunción Franciscan monastery. The eastern and southern arches were completed in 1836 by José María González Arratia. The original western arches were built by the Buenaventura Merlín. Each side consists of basket-handle arches, each with a balcony. Each side has its own name. The eastern one, with 37 arches,

8134-404: The style of the 18th-century palaces in Mexico City. The Temple of La Merced is one of the most ancient convents still preserved and one of the most important founded by Spaniards. It is a beautiful building of a religious order called mercenarios , and it shows architectural styles from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Its principal façade has 3 naves and was constructed in the 18th century on

8232-423: The town Calixtlahuaca. Yet to be explored by INAH. Quetzalcoatl Temple probably dedicated to Ehécatl. Mesoamerican round buildings, are generally related Ehécatl. The circle is a perfect geometric figure, has no beginning or end, therefore infinite, as the gods. It is a circular building; Probably the most important building in the site, which was apparently dedicated to the cult of Quetzalcoatl , represented as

8330-401: The valley and its economic influence is most strongly felt in the southern and central parts of the valley. The northern parts of the valley have closer ties to Atlacomulco . The core metropolitan area of Toluca consists of the municipalities of Toluca, Lerma, Metepec, San Mateo Atenco, Ocoyoacac and Zinacantepec. The economic interdependence of these municipalities are most similar to that of

8428-540: The valley floor to the summit of the hill. The areas between the monumental groups were filled in with a mixture of commoner houses and agricultural terraces. This archaeological site is located at about 2,500 meters, the Cerro Tenismo summit is at 2,975 meter above sea level. At top of the cerro is a “Stone” water spring, called Pinalinchini. Main Structures: Located within the urban zone of

8526-406: The valley floor, the majority of the Cerro Tenismo hill, and portions of a smaller hill to the east. All of the major monumental architecture at the site was built during this period. Unlike many Postclassic Mesoamerican cities, which usually have a single central group of monumental architecture, the large structures at Calixtlahuaca are split into multiple smaller architectural groups scattered from

8624-457: The visitor eyes, the complex can be divided into four main parts, a residential area on the south side of the complex, a ceremonial area with a temple or main basement, a wide plaza in front and bases on the West side area. This area can be subdivided into two sub-areas, divided (east and west) by the adobe wall, it is believed to have been built during the last Mexica occupation, in the late postclassical period. It has three entrances, one from

8722-645: Was Tollocan, a minor city-state before 1478. When Axayacatl destroyed Calixtlahuaca, he placed the imperial provincial capital in Tollocan. Calixtlahuaca and other towns in the Toluca Valley paid tribute to the Aztec Empire through Tollocan. After the Spanish conquest, the name Tollocan was changed to Toluca. Archaeologists have not yet located a major Postclassic settlement within the modern city. Either

8820-551: Was built, containing two hexagonal bodies, pairs of columns and balconies with semicircular rails. Both bodies are topped with domes, each bearing a cross. The space that was reserved for the second tower instead has an ornate clock. Toluca, being the capital of the State of Mexico , is home of several important museums. It is second only to Mexico City in number of museums. Some of them honor important Mexican artists such as José María Velasco Gómez , Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez , and Luis Nishizawa , among others. These museums are

8918-399: Was formed about 35 years ago and was the first youth marching band in the country. Mexican food mixes European and Mesoamerican elements. In Toluca the most famous dish is chorizo , a regional sausage made of ground pork and tomato sauce, pumpkin mole , pipian and other ingredients such as salt, pepper, white wine, almonds, potatoes, vinegar, garlic and chile. In Mexico, the word "chorizo"

9016-621: Was founded in 2017. The club plays its home games at the Estadio Nemesio Diez . When Toluca was founded by the Matlatzincas , its original name was Nepintahihui (land of corn). The current name is based on the Náhuatl name for the area when it was renamed by the Aztecs in 1473. The name has its origin in the word tollocan that comes from the name of the god, Tolo , plus the locative suffix, can , to denote "place of Tolo". It

9114-627: Was launched in 2015 with 27 stations and 350 bicycles. The system is operated by PBSC Urban Solutions . Since Toluca is the capital of the State of Mexico, there are several diverse and important educational centers such as the state-funded public university , the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM). Also, it is home to major private universities, including campuses of the Universidad Tecnológica de México (UNITEC), Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM), and

9212-416: Was originally designed by Agustín Carrillo. However, in 1870, Ramon Rodriguez Arangoiti redesigned the cathedral, based on his experience with old Roman basilicas although the present-day building still contains a number of the elements of the original design such as the aisle that runs parallel to the façade serving as a narthex , allowing access to the central and two side naves . The straight central nave

9310-552: Was planted before the Spanish Conquest in what is now the monastery of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. This tree is significant because it shows that Toluca was important enough for the Aztecs to create a botanical garden. In 1521, the Spanish conquered the Valley of Toluca. Leading the troops was Gonzalo de Sandoval , one of Cortes' many sergeants. Toluca's first governor was Pedro Cortés Coyotzin. The Valley of Toluca and what

9408-564: Was recognized as a city as early as 1662, only in 1799, was Toluca officially named a city by the King Carlos IV of Spain on September 12. In 1810, at the beginning of the independence movement , Miguel Hidalgo stayed in Toluca for a few days on his way to the Battle of Monte de las Cruces . In 1811, a group of indigenous natives of Mexico was shot and killed by Spanish royalists. In memorial to those who were killed in this incident,

9506-520: Was started in downtown Toluca. In 1836, because of the centralization of the Mexican federal government, all branches of government were relocated to Mexico City after some were in Toluca for several years. In 1847, thanks to Ignacio Ramírez, "El Nigromante" or the Institute of Literature opened. In 1851, the "Teatro Principal" was built by González Arratia. Mariano Riva Palacio was named governor of

9604-474: Was well loved by the Matlazinca people, as he worked to protect them from the injustices of the early colonial period. He is remembered to this day with a plaza that bears his name which includes a sculpture depicting him. A Spanish community was established in 1530, but it was not until 1677 that Toluca was categorized as a town. In 1793, the construction of a road to Mexico City was started. Although Toluca

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