| Toluca is the capital of Mexico
State (Estado de México). Reputedly the highest city
in Mexico, Toluca (elevation 8,790 feet) boasts a view of Toluca
Volcano.
Toluca is an industrial city with a number of local charms. Attractions
include the cathedral, built at the end of the 19th century, the
neoclassical Civic Plaza, and the indoor Cosmovitral-Jardin
Botanico, which boasts an impressive facade of more than 1,500
pieces of stained glass brought from Europe.
Outside of the city is the Centro Cultural Mexiquense, a modern
complex which houses the Museum of Anthropology, the Central Library,
the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Popular Culture.
The State of Mexico Numismatology Museum (Museo de Numismática
del Estado de México), Miguel Hidalgo Pte. #506, has an incredible
collection of Mexican currency.
CRAFTS
The Casa de las Artesias carries local handicrafts, including beautiful
Temoaya carpets. Clay tree of life statues are available at the
nearby town of Metepec, only 4 miles southeast of Toluca. Monday
is Metepec's market day.
FOOD
Cuisine features pork sausages, many green with the meat ground
with herbs.
SPORTS
Toluca is also home of a popular Mexican First Division Soccer
team, the Diablos
Rojos (Red Devils).
HISTORY
In the Náhuatl
language of the Aztecs,
the name Toluca is a variation of 'Tollocan,' which means 'Place
of the God Tollotl.'
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