The name Toluca is a hispanization of the Náhuatl "Tollocan", which means "Place of the God Tollotl". Its Náhuatl symbol was in use as the municipality symbol until 1979, when its Coat of Arms was created to replace it in official documents. In the 7th century the Matlazincas dwelt there, later, in the 12th century it became a Mexica domain. In 1521 under Spanish rule it was known as Toluca de San José, in 1830, in the independent age became the 4th capital of the state of Mexico. In 1861, by decree of the local congress, was named Toluca de Lerdo, in memory of Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, who died in the same year.

It is now a dynamic city where the flourishing industry and traditions have turned it into an amalgam of history and modern culture., in Toluca's historical downtown is located La Plaza de los Martires, the buildings corresponding to the three parts of power, The Municipal Palace and the impressive Cathedral.
In the heart of the city are Los Portales, built in 1832 and considered the most extensive in the country, with their 118 arches, have been a focal point of the social and commercial life of the city. Now, as one of the most representative places, still keeps traditional food stands, selling traditional candy, milk derivates, fruit liquors and the famous chorizos (sausages).e green house Cosmovitral, an attractive site which is formed by the world's largest stained glass, is a masterwork by Leopoldo Flores, its principal topic is dualities and universal antagonisms, in a play of multicolored lights. This site keeps inside a great variety of plants from around the world.