Gazing upon the hills surrounding us I wonder about their secrets. Tepotzotlán’s name comes from Nahuatl. It means among humpbacks. This refers to the shape of these very hills. The oldest Aztec glyph shows a humpbacked person on a hill. It is now the symbol of the municipality.
Tepotzotlán has a rich history. In Aztec times, it was the center of a dominion. It allied with the Aztec Triple Alliance. Later, it was part of a Republic of the Indians. This allowed autonomy under Spanish rule.
In 1525, evangelization began. Friars built a hermitage over the old city’s ruins. Today, the Church of San Pedro Apostol stands on that site.
Later, the Jesuits arrived. They established schools here. One trained priests in indigenous languages. Another taught Indian boys Spanish and trade skills. The College of San Francisco Javier trained Jesuit novices. Tepotzotlán became a major educational center in New Spain. Famous Jesuits studied here. These include Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora and Francisco Javier Clavijero.
The Jesuits were expelled in 1767. The school complex became a training center for priests. It was abandoned in the early 20th century. Tepozotlán became a municipality in 1814.
The Mexico City-Querétaro highway was built in 1954. This changed Tepotzotlán. It became part of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.
Tepotzotlán is growing rapidly. The parts near the highway are most developed. The center of town has kept its colonial look. Cobblestone alleys and plazas remain. The municipal market sells traditional food. Quesadillas, sopes, and tacos tempt visitors. More elaborate dishes include cabrito and escamoles. Weekends bring tianguises to town. They sell food, crafts, and furniture.
Tepotzotlán has several festivals. The Festival of Flowers happens in March. The Feast of Saint Peter is in June. The Festival of the Señor del Nicho is in September. Also, the International Festival of Music takes place in September.
Tepotzotlán is a Pueblo Mágico. This is mostly due to the town center. It has conserved its colonial look. It is also home to the Church of San Francisco Javier. The Museo del Virreinato is another draw. Much effort has been put into restoring the town’s historic buildings.
The Museo del Virreinato is housed in a former Jesuit college. The Jesuits built this complex in the 1580s. The Museo is considered one of the most impressive in Mexico. Its collection and the building’s aesthetics make it so special. The complex has courtyards and gardens. The Salta de Agua fountain marked the end of the old Chapultepec aqueduct.
The Museo’s collection includes liturgical pieces. These came from the old Museum of Religious Art. There are also non-religious items. Silverware, textiles, and tools show everyday colonial life. The Church of San Francisco Javier is now part of the museum. It contains Churrigueresque altarpieces.
Arcos del Sitio is a monumental aqueduct. It carried water from the Oro River to Tepozotlán. The Jesuits started building it. Manuel Romero de Terreros finished it in the 19th century. At the gorge, the aqueduct reaches 61 meters high. It has four levels of arches. Its total length is 41.9 kilometers. It is the highest aqueduct in Latin America.
Parque Ecológico Xochitla is another point of interest. It has 7,000 species of trees and plants. The park also features workshops, playgrounds, a greenhouse and a lake.
The Sierra de Tepotzotlán state park covers a large area. It has forests and meadows. Coyotes and squirrels live here. Hiking, camping, and rock climbing are popular activities.
Tepotzotlán offers a blend of history and natural beauty. From its origins as an Aztec dominion. To its role as a colonial educational center. To its modern status as a Pueblo Mágico. Tepotzotlán is a place of rich heritage and charm.