Ciudad Universitaria
, The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) ’s campus in Mexico City was ranked as the most beautiful in Latin America , due to its architecture as well as the cultural richness of each of its buildings, according to Times Higher Education .
The weekly British education journal
published the ranking last week, explaining that UNAM’s campus is a whole city of its own, where different elements, atmospheres, and attitudes converge; Its center was named Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 200 7. Another important factor was the presence of murals by some of Mexico’s most important artists , such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Juan O’Gorman , “in which the history of Mexico is portrayed,” the journal stated.
One of UNAM's most famous murals, by David Alfaro Siqueiros. Photo: Alex Cruz/EFE
It also mentioned the beauty of its Central Library , the Botanical Garden , and the protected ecological areas surrounding it.
In a public statement, UNAM pointed out that Ciudad Universitaria has over 50 buildings spread across a land of over 436 acres . It was built between 1949 and 1952 with the participation of over 60 architects, engineers, and artists .
“The result was a monumental complex which encompasses urban design, architecture, engineering, landscaping, and the fine arts, all associated with local tradition and Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past,” the publication claims.
A panoramic view of
Ciudad Universitaria
in 1952. Photo: File photo/EL UNIVERSAL
The British journal’s ranking placed the Federico Santa María Technical University of Valparaíso in second place. The Chilean campus was designed by Josué Smith Solar , a well-known architect from the 20th century . The third spot was for another Chilean institution: The Diego Portales University , located in Santiago’s Historical Center .
There were two more Mexican universities on the list: The University of Guanajuato , located in the state capital, came in fourth place due to its beautiful colonial and neoclassical buildings, and the University of Guadalajara , which came in fifth place thanks to its colonial rectory and neoclassical library, a former chapel from the 16th century.
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