Jardín Centenario

After having destroyed old Tenochtitlan, Cortes settled down in Coyoacán, and considered for a while to make it the new capital of the New Spain colony. He made a deal with the local indigenous chief, Ixtolinque, and donated the land where the franciscans would build start the parish church dedicated to San Juan Bautista (a Saint highly revered by Cortes). The atrium and cementery of the church now form the two central squares. In Jardín Centenario, general Porfirio Diaz had a kiosk placed in 1910, to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Independence of Mexico. The materials were brought from France and assembled here, with beautiful Art Nouveau ornaments. The eagle with the snake on top are still national symbols.

At this time, Coyoacán was for some years connected by an electric tram to the center of Mexico, and therefore became a popular recreational destination and second residence. However, the village-like feel is still present.

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