The Architecture in Cuernavaca

Your
new City
“
is surrounded
by some of the
most beautiful
and culturally
rich regions of
the country
”
Cuernavaca, is the capital and largest city of
the state of Morelos in Mexico. and includes
numerous small localities outside the city,
like Ocotepec, where interesting religious
celebrations take place, like the Day of the
Dead at the start of November. Cuernavaca is
located about 85 km (53 mi) south of Mexico
City on the M-95 freeway. It is known as “the city
of eternal spring” because of its consistent 27°C
(80°F) weather year round. Cuernavaca sits in
the heart of central Mexico, and is surrounded
by some of the most beautiful and culturally
rich regions of the country.
The city’s name comes from Nahuatl
Cuauhnahuac “place near trees”, the name
of the pre-Columbian altepetl at the location.
The name was changed to Cuernavaca by
influence of the Spanish words “cuerno” (horn)
and “vaca” (cow).
The Architecture in Cuernavaca
The city has remains of ancient Aztec and Tlahuica cultures (such as at Teopanzolco)
as well as colonial buildings. Emperor Charles V gave Cuernavaca to Hernán Cortés
as a fief, and in 1532 the conquistador built the Palacio de Cortés, now the Museo
Regional de Historia de Cuauhnahuac (Historical Museum of Cuauhnahuac).
The museum features a mural by Diego Rivera depicting the conquest of Mexico,
mammoth remains, and items from
contemporary
Indigenous
cultures.
Cuernavaca’s
downtown
cathedral
dates from 1552. There are also murals
depicting the journey of the Mexican
Saint Felipe to Japan. At 11:00 mass on
Sundays, a mariachi band accompanies
the proceedings.
What else
can I see
in Cuernavaca?
Key attractions include the city Zocalo
(Main Plaza) that hosts some magnificent colonial architecture, here also
stands the Palacio de Cortes, now known
as Museo Cuauhnahuac. This is the only
Zocalo in Mexico that does not feature
a Cathedral. In 1987, the Gardens at
Jardín Borda, were completely restored
after years of decay. The house and gardens were originally commissioned by a
wealthy silver magnate in the 1700’s, and
was also host to Maximilian and Carlotta
during the French reign in Mexico.
For those interested in art, there is the
Museo Casa Robert Brady, which is
actually a private house turned into a
magnificent art gallery. Here, you’ll find a
permanent collection on display which
includes works by Rufino Tamayo and a
self portrait by Frida Kahlo.The house and
collection belonged to Robert Brady, an
American who resided in Cuernavaca
from 1962 to 1986. Art lovers may also
enjoy a tour of the workshop (taller)
at the Taller de Alfaro Siqueiros, a very
famous Mexican Muralist, who resided in
Cuernavaca’s colonial center.
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