Iztapalapa

This borough is named after and centered on the formerly independent municipality of Iztapalapa. It is a mostly rural area that has begun to make a rapid transition of urbanization. Yet at this current moment it is still a beautiful area of forested hills, ponds and other surface water, grasslands and more. However with the rising urbanization the rural parts have started receding and the borough has begun to see an increase in crime rate, drug trafficking, socioeconomic marginalization as poverty slowly rises.

Iztapalapa is home to a number of historic churches, many of which were built in the colonial era. Over the foundations of pre Hispanic temples, which had been destroyed in the Conquest. The two most important religious establishments of which have been Señor de la Cuevita Sanctuary and the former monastery of Culhuacán.

The Señor de la Cuevita whole location is on Avenida Morelos in the city of Iztapalapa's importance stems from a miracle attributed to it. After in 1833 a plague had hit the area and after having appealed to an image of christ there the plague dissipated, causing the borough's annual Passion Play. Whilst the Culhuacán has sadly been demolished since long ago, with only parts of original complex remaining. Since last year renovations have begun on it, but recovery may take multiple decades.

The Cerro de la Estrella National Park is another landmark which bears cultural importance and through the rapid urbanization has formed, this national park is located on the Volcana Xaltepac and as such is one of the points the three leylines which flow through Mexico City intersect.