Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque

The Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque is a monumental feat of 16th-century engineering and a symbol of the cultural fusion in colonial Mexico. Led by the Franciscan friar Francisco de Tembleque, the project aimed to bring fresh water from the Tecajete volcano to the parched lands of Otumba. Spanning 45 kilometers, the system is renowned for its innovative use of European arch designs built with traditional indigenous materials and techniques. Its most wide-open feature is the Tepeyahualco section, where the central arch towers 39 meters above the landscape, making it the highest of its era. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015, the aqueduct remains a testament to the collaborative efforts between Spanish friars and native communities. It stands as a well-preserved masterpiece of hydraulic architecture, showcasing the sophisticated water management skills developed during the early colonial period in the Americas.

History & landmarks

Mexico City

Capital of Mexico

Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone

The prestigious boulevard houses the Mexican Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country's major banks.

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