Two gods on one pyramid
The temple had two shrines on top: one for Huitzilopochtli, god of war and the sun, painted red, and one for Tlaloc, god of rain, painted blue.
Urban Tales › Mexico City › Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor: the history, and the temple found by electricians
The sacred heart of Tenochtitlan was torn down after 1521 and lost under the colonial city for more than four centuries. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Begun≈ 1325
Rebuilt7 times
Rediscovered1978
Museumsince 1987
Hear the Templo Mayor story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Found by electricians
In February 1978, electricity workers digging near the cathedral hit a huge carved stone disk of the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui. That find led to the full excavation.
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A temple like an onion
Each ruler built a bigger temple over the previous one, so the ruins show at least seven layers, one inside the other.
TipLook for the stone serpent heads at the base of the stairs, then go into the museum to see the Coyolxauhqui disk where it's displayed. With Urban Tales running, the temple's story plays as you reach the ruins beside the cathedral.
Nearby landmarks
Templo Mayor: common questions
How was the Templo Mayor found?
In 1978 electricity workers uncovered the Coyolxauhqui stone, which led to the excavation of the temple.
Who was the Templo Mayor dedicated to?
To Huitzilopochtli, god of war and the sun, and Tlaloc, god of rain.
Is the Templo Mayor open on Mondays?
No, the museum and archaeological zone are closed on Mondays.