The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, founded in A.D. 1345, was built on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. It was connected to the mainland by three walkways and had an extensive dike system to protect their fresh water supply. Present day Mexico City sits on its ruins.
The end of the 16th century saw the building of massive yet plainly designed buildings. It was during this time that the gradual transition from Spanish Gothic to Spanish Renaissance architecture was being made.
This early form of Spanish Renaissance architecture was based on the designs of the Italian Renaissance. Structures were built with sculptured columns and wrought iron metalwork was introduced into the designs.
The 17th and 18th centuries were dominated by the baroque style of architecture. The cathedral in Mexico City is an example of ultrabaroque. The massive structure is a contrast in angles and curves with elegantly carved columns.
During the reign of Emperor Maximilian (1864 to 1867) Mexico's architecture became influenced by French Second Empire designs. Chapultepec's castle and gardens were renovated using this more elaborate style.
The Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz, (1876 to 1911) introduced art nouveau into Mexican architectural design. The elaborate French designs were most noticeable in the mansions along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is also an example of this elaborate architectural style.