Well, as I said, it is Sinking…..

Buildings in Mexico City face a number of problems. Besides the active earthquakes, close by volcanoes and all, the city was built on a dried up lake bed. Which has never been stable and is constantly sinking but at different rates and different amounts depending upon the specific location. This was a construction issue even 500+ years ago, and remains so today. I had read about this in the past, but seeing the actual results were really something.

No, this is not a fish eye lens. The Villa de Guadalupe cathedral, the most visited cathedral in the world is really sinking. Walking inside was very difficult because the smooth marble floors are at such weird angles. The newer church was built in the round partially to better distribute weight.

How about a close up of this? Pretty amazing that it is still standing and still having millions of visitors each year! For me, if I would have seen this angle before going in, I am not sure that I would have!
Moving on, this is also really something! In the center of the Main cathedral, Metropolitana, they have installed a pendulum to track the sinking and movement of the building. Currently it seems pretty well centered, but can you see the huge movement that has occurred? It is a line sort of like a huge arc. This is hung from the peak of the highest cupola. As I noted above, somehow they have gone underneath and stabilized the base.
Found this bowing building on a side street near the zocalo. There is a very pronounced bowing out by the doorway.
Looks like slate roof? No just a very uneven street uncovered at Templo Mayor.

1 Comments on “Well, as I said, it is Sinking…..”

  1. I hope this isn’t a duplicate message because I don’t believe it posted with my first effort. Thank you for the education, Dan. It’s far easier to retain the sights and dialogue when you experience it through someone you know. I’s the next best thing to being there. Most Americans don’t think of the rich history of Mexico as being so much older than ours. If things keep buckling and leaning, it will look like Dr. Suess was the architect!

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