Iztapalapa Original Settlements Archives

Magdalena Atlazolpa

Ubicaci�n Sta Maria 9, Magdalena Atlazolpa, Iztapalapa, 09410 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Pueblo Santa Cruz Meyehualco

Ubicaci�n Plaza Principal S/N, Sta Cruz Meyehualco, Iztapalapa, 09700 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Santa Martha Acatitla

Ubicaci�n Everardo González, Santa Martha Acatitla, Iztapalapa, 09510 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

San Juanico Nextipac

Ubicaci�n Ignacio Allende, Benito Juárez 8, Iztapalapa, 09400 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Santa María Aztahuacan

Ubicaci�n Constitución, Sta María Aztahuacan, Iztapalapa, 09500 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

Pueblo Los Reyes Culhuacán

Ubicaci�n Cuitláhuac 31, Los Reyes Culhuacan, Iztapalapa, 09840 CDMX

Towns/Neighborhoods

The Iztapalapa Original Settlements are easily among the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City. While three are directly associated with the old Culhuacán civilization, others have entirely different histories.

Iztapalapa is changing quickly. Far and away the most populous of Mexico City's 16 alcaldías, it's also one that's teaching the city how to reinvent itself. When the Spanish arrived, 10,000 people were working the chinampas in Iztapalapa. Two thirds of their buildings were over the water.

Today, these communities are especially prominent in the Historical Center. Winding, crooked streets eventually replaced the old canals. But this "organic" pattern of non-planned urbanism is evident everywhere. It adds to the charm.

It's still a vibrant civilization. But Iztapalapa is one with a complex and profound history that needs to be explored in its own right. The Iztapalapa original settlements are a great place to start.