Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

Overview

Inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs – the terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Albán were literally carved out of the mountain and are the symbols of a sacred topography. The nearby city of Oaxaca, which is built on a grid pattern, is a good example of Spanish colonial town planning. The solidity and volume of the city's buildings show that they were adapted to the earthquake-prone region in which these architectural gems were constructed.

Selection Criteria

(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)

Components(2 locations)

• •Historic Centre of Oaxaca415-001
• •Archaeological Site of Monte Alban415-002

Details

Countries

Mexico

ISO Codes

MX

Area

4,375 ha

Coordinates

17.0616, -96.7259