Naucalpan: Tlatilca History, Monumental Art and a City Park

Naucalpan brings together archaeological evidence, striking works of art and a large city park, as well as places that tell the story of the municipality’s history and traditions. Topics range from finds from the Tlatilca culture and pre-Hispanic trade history to Lucha Libre and Charrería. This lets you choose different focuses for your stay, rather than getting to know Naucalpan through just one attraction.

Archaeology and History of Naucalpan

The Museo Tlatilca in Naucalpan de Juárez has a collection of 187 pieces from the Tlatilca culture, dating from 1200 to 750 BC. Cerro de Moctezuma offers another glimpse of archaeological traces: remains of the Tlatilca culture dating from 1200 to 500 BC, as well as those of the Mexica civilization from 1325 to 1521 AD, have been preserved there. The finds mentioned include pottery, figurines and remains of ceremonial structures.

The El Conde archaeological zone in downtown Naucalpan de Juárez was a Tecpan, or palace of the nobility, where community decisions were made. Elsewhere in the municipality, the Pochteca Monument near the historic center commemorates the long-distance merchants of pre-Hispanic times. They connected Mesoamerican communities through trade and diplomacy. The Arco de San Lorenzo Totolinga is also connected to the origins of the place: it marks the entrance to one of Naucalpan’s indigenous founding settlements.

Monuments, Sacred Buildings and Local Traditions

The Fuente del Tlacuilo holds a distinctive place in Naucalpan’s art history. Luis Yaotl Aragón created the monumental sculpture in pink and gray stone between 1973 and 1975. It weighs 1,000 tons and is dedicated to ancient Nahuan scribes. The Torres de Satélite are another of the area’s striking works of art: they were designed by Luis Barragán and Mathias Goeritz and inaugurated in the first days of March 1958.

In San Bartolo, the Parroquia San Bartolomé Apóstol stands at the heart of the community. It was built on traces of indigenous settlements dating from the 16th to 17th centuries. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Naucalpan was founded in 1575 and preserves an old, wood-carved image of the Virgin of Los Remedios. Religious artworks for visitors include a large bronze crucifix and the Apostles’ Hall exhibition. In a prayer room, visitors can view the Virgin up close.

The history of water supply is another of the area’s many topics: the Sifones o Caracoles de Los Remedios were an old water reservoir and part of the Acueducto de Los Remedios. The old aqueduct is in the town of Los Remedios, within the urban area of Naucalpan. Alongside the sacred buildings and archaeological sites, it illustrates the variety of historical traces found throughout the municipality.

Park, Route and Experiences

Parque Naucalli is a 43-hectare metropolitan park in Naucalpan. The Centro de Cultura Ágora, a space for promoting art and culture, is located in the park. If you’re interested in these topics, you can make the park and Centro Ágora a focus of your stay, without conflating them with the historic sites downtown.

For an overview that brings several sights together, there is the Ruta Turística de la Identidad Naucalpense, a two-day route featuring 50 attractions. In the central area, the tourist passageway on Avenida Benito Juárez is also an urban connection suited to walking tourism. The two offerings are different in format: the route brings together numerous attractions over two days, while the passageway is described as a connection in the central area.

Naucalpan also offers opportunities to explore living traditions and event venues. Arena Naucalpan, inaugurated in 1977, is a venue for Lucha Libre. Lienzo Charro Manuel Ávila Camacho is used for the practice and preservation of Charrería. If you’re traveling with your family, these different topics can help you decide together what you’d like to focus on as you explore.

Choose a Vacation Rental That Suits Your Interests

When looking for a vacation rental in Naucalpan, your preferred focus can be a helpful starting point: are you most interested in archaeological finds and urban history, art and sacred sites, or perhaps parks, culture and local traditions? Think about what you’d like to shape your stay and choose accommodation to suit your own plans.

More Places at the Same Level

More places at the same level: Ixtapan De La Sal, Nezahualcóyotl, El Pedregal, Tlanepantla, Ixtapaluca, San Pedro Totoltepec, Texcoco De Mora, Valle De Bravo.

For the broader travel overview: Mexico.