Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico and ranks among the world’s largest metropolitan areas, with a rich history dating back to the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, founded on an island in Lake Texcoco. Following the Spanish conquest, much of the ancient city was destroyed, and the Spanish capital was built over its ruins. Today, traces of its pre-Hispanic past remain alongside grand colonial buildings and modern landmarks. The historic centre features the vast Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the Palace of Fine Arts, near Alameda Central. In Chapultepec Park, visitors can explore Chapultepec Castle, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Anthropology, which showcases Mexico’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage.