The history of San Martín de las Pirámides is inextricably linked with the great civilization of Teotihuacán, on whose ruins the modern city actually grew. Although the territory has been inhabited for millennia, the administrative formalization of the settlement occurred significantly later than the fall of the ancient empire.
Colonial Beginnings: As an official administrative unit, the settlement began to take shape in the mid-16th century, around 1544, when Spanish colonizers reorganized local communities.
First Name: Initially, the town bore the name San Martín de Tours in honor of its patron saint.
Modern Name: The suffix "de las Pirámides" was officially added in 1917 to emphasize its geographical and cultural proximity to the famous archaeological zone.
Key Factors of Formation
The city's development was determined by its unique location in the Valley of Mexico and its proximity to the monumental heritage of its ancestors.
Geography and Religion: The proximity to the sacred city of Teotihuacán made this territory an important spiritual center even before the arrival of the Spanish. During the colonial period, a church was founded here, which became the core of the new settlement.
Political Influence: In different periods, the town was part of various administrative units until it gained the status of an independent municipality in the 19th century, which gave impetus to independent infrastructure development.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
The economy of early San Martín de las Pirámides was based on traditional crafts and agriculture characteristic of the region's semi-arid climate.
Obsidian Processing: Local artisans have preserved the traditions of volcanic glass processing for centuries. The production of tools, and later artistic obsidian items, became the city's hallmark.
Agriculture: The basis of agriculture was the cultivation of nopal (prickly pear cactus) and the harvesting of its fruit (tuna), as well as the cultivation of agave (maguey) for the production of the traditional drink, pulque.
Timeline
Key Historical Milestones
Around 200 BC — The first settlements are formed on the territory, which later became part of the great Teotihuacán civilization.
1544 — The estimated date of the founding of the colonial settlement and the beginning of the evangelization of the local population by Spanish missionaries.
1594 — The settlement receives official status as a congregation, uniting scattered indigenous communities into a single administrative unit.
1603 — The Viceroy of New Spain approves the city boundaries and distributes land among the indigenous inhabitants.
1753 — Construction of the parish church of San Martín Obispo de Tours is completed, becoming the city's architectural centerpiece.
1824 — After Mexico gains independence, the city becomes part of the newly formed State of Mexico.
1902 — Approval of the administrative boundaries of the municipality during the Porfiriato period.
December 8, 1917 — By state decree, the city's name is officially changed to San Martín de las Pirámides.
1962 — Opening of the new Municipal Government Palace building, symbolizing the modernization of administration.
1973 — The first National Obsidian Fair is held, aimed at preserving the region's ancient craft traditions.
1987 — The adjacent Teotihuacán archaeological zone is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, sharply increasing the city's tourism significance.
September 25, 2015 — The city is awarded the honorary status of "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) for preserving its cultural and historical wealth.
Milestones
Stages of City Development and Transformation
The evolution of San Martín de las Pirámides is a journey from a colonial settlement to a modern tourism hub. Below are the key moments that defined the city's current appearance and economy.
Formation of the Colonial Core (18th Century). The construction of the stone parish church and administrative buildings finalized the urban plan with a central square.
Significance: A transition from scattered rural communities to an organized urban structure of the European type.
Official Renaming (1917). The addition of the suffix "de las Pirámides" to the city's name.
Significance: This event was a turning point in the residents' self-identity. The city officially linked its fate to its archaeological heritage, which predetermined the direction of economic development for a century to come.
Infrastructural Modernization (Mid-20th Century). The introduction of electricity, paving of main streets, and construction of a highway connecting the city with Mexico City.
Significance: Improved logistics allowed for an increase in the flow of goods and the first tourists, and significantly raised the quality of life for the local population.
Establishment of the National Obsidian Fair (1973). The creation of an annual festival dedicated to the ancient craft.
Significance: Economic transformation. The processing of volcanic glass evolved from a cottage industry into an art and souvenir industry, providing employment for hundreds of families.
Inclusion of Teotihuacán in the UNESCO List (1987). Recognition of the neighboring archaeological zone as a World Heritage site.
Significance: A sharp increase in international tourism stimulated urban changes: hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies began to open actively, changing the functional purpose of city buildings.
Attainment of "Pueblo Mágico" Status (2015). Inclusion in the federal "Magical Towns" program.
Significance: A new stage of urbanism. The program funded the renovation of facades, improvement of street lighting, and the beautification of public spaces to ensure the city met high tourism standards.
Architecture
Urban Development and Structure
The urban fabric of San Martín de las Pirámides was formed at the crossroads of two civilizations. The foundation of the city's layout is the classic Spanish "grid" pattern (traza) introduced during the colonial period, which is superimposed on a landscape historically linked to ancient Teotihuacán. The central element of the urban composition is the main square (Jardín Hidalgo), around which administrative and religious life is concentrated.
Architectural Styles and Eras
The city's appearance is an eclectic mix of colonial heritage, folk traditions, and 20th-century functional buildings. The main stylistic directions correspond to historical periods as follows:
Colonial Period (17th–18th Centuries): Provincial Baroque
Religious buildings from this period are the city's primary historical monuments. The style is characterized by monumentality and the use of local volcanic stone.
Church of San Martín Obispo de Tours (Parroquia de San Martín Obispo de Tours): A key landmark of the center. The building combines Baroque features (in the portal design and overall composition) with elements added in later eras. Massive stone walls and a tall bell tower serve as a reference point in the urban landscape.
Ecce Homo Chapel: An example of small-scale religious architecture that preserves the spirit of the region's early evangelization.
19th – Early 20th Century: Vernacular Architecture
Residential buildings in the historical center demonstrate a "folk style" adapted to the climate and available resources of the Valley of Mexico.
Style Features: The use of adobe (sun-dried brick) and tezontle (red volcanic stone). A characteristic feature of local houses is the blank facades facing the street and the presence of interior courtyards (patios) that provide natural ventilation.
Decor: In the walls of old houses, one can often find inclusions of black obsidian, which is a unique local element linking the architecture to the ancient craftsmanship of the region.
Second Half of the 20th Century – Present: Modernism and Functionalism
The growth of the city and the development of tourism brought new architectural forms focused on practicality.
Administrative Buildings: The Municipal Palace and public institutions are built in a simplified functionalist style. They are characterized by clean geometric lines, the use of concrete, and an absence of excessive decoration.
Tourism Adaptation: In recent decades, especially after receiving the "Pueblo Mágico" status, there has been a trend towards styling new buildings to look like colonial antiquities or using elements of neo-indigenism (motifs of pre-Hispanic cultures) to harmonize with the neighboring archaeological zone.
Notable People
Prominent Personalities of San Martín de las Pirámides
The city's history is inextricably linked with the people who contributed to its administrative formation, cultural development, and heritage preservation. Below are key figures whose activities left a mark on the life of the municipality.
Rafael Alducin Bedolla Journalist and Public Figure (1889–1924) One of the most famous figures of national scale associated with the region. Founder of the influential newspaper Excélsior. He entered Mexican history as the initiator of the establishment of Mother's Day (May 10th), which became one of the most significant family holidays in the country. He is also known for his support of educational initiatives.
Ángel María Garibay Kintana Clergyman, Historian, and Philologist (1892–1967) A distinguished researcher of pre-Hispanic cultures and an expert in the Nahuatl language. In 1924, he served as the parish priest in the local church. It was his stay in this region, saturated with ancient history, that deepened his interest in Mexican roots, which later resulted in fundamental works on Aztec literature and history.
Casimiro Lucio Martínez de la Rosa Politician and Administrator (20th Century) The first municipal president (mayor) of the city after it gained the status of an independent municipality. He took office in 1918. His leadership occurred during a difficult post-revolutionary period when the foundations of the city's modern administrative structure were being laid.
Rosendo Arnaiz Herrera Athlete and Community Leader (1890–1945) A pioneer of sports development in the region. He founded the "International Sports Club," playing a key role in popularizing physical culture among local youth in the first half of the 20th century.
Julia Martínez de la Rosa Municipal Chronicler and Historian The guardian of the city's memory. Author of the official "Monograph of the Municipality" (1999), in which she systematized scattered historical facts, legends, and documents, preserving them for future generations. Her works are the primary source of knowledge about local history.