Centro Histórico in Ciudad de México, Mexico — The Valley of Mexico (The Central Highlands)

The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico

El Real y Pontificia Universidad de Mexico

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 31, 2015

1. The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Scientiaeqve amor salvs popvli est patriae
Ad perennem memoriam pontificiae regiae Vniversitatis Caroli V ivssv ab excmo anto de Mendoza in hoc loco III ivnii MDLII erectae qvae ad annum MDCCCLXV vsquve florvit hoc monvmentvm vniversitas nationalis Mexicana DD

English translation:
Love of knowledge is the safety of the country
This monument is erected to the perpetual memory of the Royal and Pontifical University founded in the time of Charles V under the Viceroy Mendoza on June 3, 1552 and that flourished here until 1865 as the National University of Mexico.

Erected 1919.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1552.

Location. 19° 26.019′ N, 99° 7.895′ W. Marker is in Ciudad de México. It is in Centro Histórico. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Calle Moneda 3, Ciudad de México 06000, Mexico. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

of this marker. A different marker also named The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (a few steps from this marker); Death of Benito Juárez (a few steps from this marker); Meeting of Juan Diego and Archbishop Zumárraga (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Antonio Marquez G. (within shouting distance of this marker); Manuel Nicolás Carpancho (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Printing Press in the Americas (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Plaza Manuel Gamio (about 90 meters away); Baroque Entryway (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ciudad de México.

Regarding The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico. This was the location of one of the first universities in the Americas, the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico. The traditional date of its inauguration is now usually given as January 25, 1553. It was the precursor of both the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Pontifical University of Mexico.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 31, 2015

2. The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico Marker

Interestingly, the door to the left of the marker was once the entrance to the oldest bar in Mexico. It was known as "El Nível" (The Level) and was inaugurated in 1857. It closed in 2008 due to pressure from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.