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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



Photograph by Hugo Brehnie 

 THE MIGHTY CATHEDRAL OF MEXICO RISES WHERE AZTECS WORSHIPED PAGAN GODS 



Carved idols and other Indian relics are reputed to form part of the foundation of this historic mother 

 church of New Spain. The first Christian house of worship in the city was erected here about five years after 

 the Conquest. The present Cathedral dates from 1667. Adjoining it (right) is the Sagrario, a smaller church. 

 In front is the vast Plaza de la Constitucion, or Zocalo, seen through an arch of the Municipal Palace. Though 

 often called "Mexico City," the capital officially is "Mexico, D. F." (Federal District) . 



