Museo del Templo Mayor

Overview

The Templo Mayor museum is built directly over the excavated ruins of the Aztec Empire's Great Temple, discovered by chance in 1978 when electrical workers unearthed the massive Coyolxauhqui stone disc.

Highlights

• Coyolxauhqui Stone: The 3.25-metre carved disc depicting the dismembered moon goddess.
• Tzompantli (Skull Rack): A wall of over 600 real human skulls cemented together, discovered in 2015.
• Archaeological site: Walk among the layered foundations of seven successive temples built one atop another.

History

The Great Temple was the spiritual heart of Tenochtitlán until the Spanish demolished it in 1521. Systematic excavation began in 1978 under archaeologist Eduardo Matos Moctezuma.

Visitor Tips

• Pair with Zócalo: The site sits behind the Cathedral, steps from the main square.
• Audio guide: Essential for understanding the layered construction phases.
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours.