A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place which could include a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building or city that is known for its special cultural or physical significance. This list is maintained by the international world heritage program that is administered by the UNESCO world heritage committee. This program maintains catalogues of these sites. Under certain conditions, these listed sites can obtain funds for the maintenance from the World Heritage Fund.

 Mexico is a country with diverse culture and ethnicity. “Pluricultural nation” is what Mexico’s constitution defines its cultural diversity. The majority of the Mexican Population comprises of Roman Catholics. Out of the total World Heritage Cities in the world, 10 Mexican cities have received this title. Here is more about these cities.

Campeche, the only walled city

San Francisco de Campeche which was founded in 1540 and which is located on the Gulf of Mexico coast was named as “Historical Fortified City of Campeche” on December 1999 by UNESCO.

One would wonder as to why was this city named so. It is because of its representative building with military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, its traditional houses, the city’s Andalusian and Caribbean influences and also its urbanization model of a baroque colonial city. Called as the only walled city in Mexico, Campeche has a 500 meter wall, two gates, two forts and eight fortresses. These are defensive buildings in a pentagon shape. The Campeche Cathedral, the San Roman Temple and the Edzna and Jaina archaeological site are a must see here.

Mexico City, the country’s pillar

Mexico City is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. It also houses the federal government powers. In 1987, Mexico City received the title of World Heritage City courtesy its historic downtown and it’s Xochimilco National Park.

Named as the city’s main square, the historic downtown was recognized for its historical and cultural value. That’s not all; it was also recognized for being an unmatched model of an urban setting and for witnessing the fusion of two cultures through its buildings, houses, streets and cathedrals. Xochimilco received the title of World Heritage Site due to its man-made islands that consists of floating gardens.

Guanajuato: unmatched alleys and legends

Guanajuato played a key role during Mexico’s independence war. This city expands throughout the surrounding hills. Therefore, one can see its cobblestone alleys, gardens, small squares, and its colourful facades that blend well with the Indian and Hispanic culture. It is called as one of the heritage sites as it is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture in the Americas. It is also an extraordinary example of architectural collections that incorporate the industrial and economic characteristics of a mining town.

Morelia, the former Valladolid

The city of Morelia has 1,113 historical monuments that make the city a reference point of Mexico’s architectural beauty. There is a sense of harmony between the different architectural styles which in turn makes a statement for Mexico’s architectural history.

Oaxaca, the perfect alignment

Formerly known as Antequera, Oaxaca de Juarez means “in the nose of the leucaenas” in the Nahuatl language. Its Historic Downtown and the Monte Alban archaeological site were the reasons to name it a World Heritage City.

Since the 16th century, Oaxaca’s Historic Downtown has conserved the perfectly aligned original arrangement, which resembles a chess board. The Monte Alban ceremonial center brings together a collection of pre-Hispanic monuments that offer wakes (on stone or pedestals) with hieroglyphics that commemorate events important to the city’s history.

Puebla, the city of angels

The city of Puebla was nicknamed as “The Americas’ Reliquary” due to its architectural beauty. Its magnificent architectural monuments with Spanish colonial characteristics have help Puebla receive the title of World Heritage City. The Puebla of Zaragoza Heroic city was the first settling site of the Spanish conquistadors that arrived to the region.

Queretaro, development and beauty

Santiago de Queretaro is considered as a very attractive place by domestic and international tourists. It is also called as the “Lowlands’ Jewel”. The extraordinary beauty of this architectural heritage, its dramatic history and immense cultural heritage that stems from a multi-ethnic population, were key characteristics to receive this title from UNESCO in 1996.

San Miguel de Allende, a colonial landscape

San Miguel de Allende is characterized by its high level of conservation, authenticity and integrity. It is considered a heritage site by UNESCO due to the city’s cultural and craftwork diversity. Its buildings and monuments are of great historical value and contribute culturally and architecturally to the Mexican baroque.

Tlacotalpan, an amazing Mexican site

Considered as the most traditional city in the state of Veracruz by locals as well as visitors, Tlacotalpan is also a river port close to Gulf of Mexico coast. Tlacotalpan is known for its Asian-style the architecture and its landscape of wide streets that interweave with the decorating columns and arches. Therefore it’s fondly called as the Papaloapan Jewel. This unique urban structure represents the combination of Spanish and Caribbean traditions.

Zacatecas, a colonial charm

This is a mining city that has adapted to its valleys and mountains. Zacatecas reflects its attractiveness through its beautiful buildings, which are real masterpieces. The architecture of this city, its urban arrangement and irregular alignment of its streets is what makes this historic downtown stand out.