Centro Histórico, 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

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 Centro Histórico, Ciudad de México. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Calle Moneda 3, Centro Histórico, Ciudad de México 06000, Mexico. Touch for directions.

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

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.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. 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); The Basin of Mexico (about 120 meters away); The City of Tenochtitlan (about 120 meters away); The Sacred Precinct of Mexico-Tenochtitlan (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centro Histórico.

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.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. This page has been viewed 375 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico.