Iztapalapa Historic Center Archives

Casa de Las Bombas Cultural Center

Ubicaci�n Gregorio Torres Quintero s/n, esq. Prolongacion Quetzal, Barrio San Miguel, Iztapalapa, 09360 CDMX

Cultural/Community Ctrs

Barrio San José, Iztapalapa

Ubicaci�n Cuauhtémoc 185, Col. Barrio San José, Iztapalapa, 09000 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Tlapacaloyan Casa de Cultura y Lavaderos Comunitarios

Ubicaci�n Morelos 54, Col. Barrio San Pedro, Iztapalapa, 09000 CDMX

Cultural/Community Ctrs

Barrio San Lucas (Atlalilco)

Ubicaci�n Barrio San Lucas, Alc. Iztapalapa, 09000 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Barrio San Ignacio, Iztapalapa

Ubicaci�n Av 5 de Mayo 145, Col. Barrio San Ignacio, Iztapalapa 09000 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Mercado 5 de Mayo, Iztapalapa

Ubicaci�n 5 de Mayo, Barrio San Lucas, Alc. Iztapalapa, 09000 CDMX

Shopping

The Iztapalapa Historic Center is among the oldest parts of Mexico City. Today it's recognized as eight original barrios, or neighborhoods. These are among the most densely populated. But they follow many of the same routes as the old canal channels that criss-crossed the region. The result is a colorful, twisting turning neighborhood of whimsy and charm.

Easily walkable, the center only starts with the Cuitlahuac Macroplaza. It extends from there in every direction. And though it's much newer than truly ancient Culhuacan (which is nearby), the two communities share roots on the slopes of the towering Cerro de la Estrella.

These roots come to bear on the world famous Semana Santa celebrations. But especially here in the Ocho Barrios, the eight original neighborhoods. Together they could be considered one of, or at least the equal of, the other 15 Original Settlements of Iztapalapa. Indeed during the ancient period the eight neighborhoods were parts of two half-towns called Atlalilco (to the west) and Axomulco, (to the east). Later they became one colonial era city, Iztapalapa de Cuitlahuac. Even then, they were named to honor the final Lord of the territory: Cuitlahuac II.