You may have walked down this street without realizing it’s a path that takes you back in time, connecting you to our nation’s pre-Hispanic past, when the Mexica were the dominant culture in this part of the world and the great city of Tenochtitlán was the nerve center of this civilization, remaining connected to the mainland thanks to Mexico’s oldest street.
Tlacopan Street was so important to our pre-Hispanic ancestors, as it was the route their allies used. During the viceroyalty, it was along this street that the Spanish fled on that “Sad Night” of 1520, when they were defeated by the Mexica warriors. During the Porfiriato, it was one of the first thoroughfares to have a route designed for the tram to reach the west.
It is said that the name Tacuba comes from a mispronunciation by the Spanish of the name Tlacopan, and its origin can be placed between 1377 and 1389, making it not only the oldest street in our country but in all of the Americas. It stretches for 8 km, connecting, as it has in ancient times, the center of the capital with what is now the municipality of Naucalpan.
Throughout its existence, the oldest street in the Americas, located in Mexico City, has undergone significant historical changes, many of which have even influenced the names it has acquired over time. The name Tacuba is used for the section between the Zócalo and the central axis. It is known as Hidalgo Avenue between the central axis and the west axis.
It was renamed Mexico-Tenochtitlan Causeway during the previous federal administration, between Insurgentes Avenue and the Inner Ring Road. From its starting point, it takes the name Ribera de San Cosme, culminating as Calzada México Tacuba as it enters the old town of Tacuba, west of the nation’s capital.
A faithful witness to the history of Mexico City, Calzada México Tacuba stands out not only for being the oldest street in the country and in the Americas, but also because along its length we can find some of the most iconic landmarks in the entire capital.
You can find the incredible Palace of Fine Arts located in the Alameda Central, one of the most representative monuments of the capital and of Mexico, where various events are held for the public.
The Postal Palace, or Palacio de Correos, is an example of old architecture and stands out as one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire capital; it is located precisely on Tacuba Street at its corner with Eje Central Avenue.
At the intersection of Reforma and Avenida Hidalgo, you’ll find the old Temple of San Hipólito, a place where it is said the battle took place that culminated in the defeat of the Spanish in 1520.
Further west of the capital, you’ll find the temple and monasteries of San Joaquín de Tacuba, a group of buildings with historical and cultural value that give this avenue its identity.
Source: escapadah
