world heritage sites in mexico english
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Lugares hermosos en MéxicoTRANSCRIPT
What is World Heritage
The world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO are unique places of
special cultural and natural tourist attraction where visitors can learn about
the historical legacy of a lively and endearing country that deserves
recognition and appreciation of the international community.
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and is
transmitted to future generations. World Heritage sites belong to all peoples
of the world, regardless of the territory where they are located.
World cultural heritage should not be viewed with nostalgia for a vanished
greatness, but as a challenge of humanity's struggle to join rescue and
conservation, aware that this represents the preservation of the most
valuable fruit of the human race, culture, which is not simply theembodiment of its spirit.
World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
The world has 226 cities declared World Heritage by UNESCO which 10 are
based in Mexico, just behind of Spain and Italy. This is a pride and a great
responsibility for Mexicans. This joint effort will provide through this shows
the outstanding universal values for each of these cities received the
Declaration of UNESCO as World Heritage.
In them we find the essence of the original paths that combine indigenous
architecture and colonial forms, as well as the Mudejar, Plateresque,
Baroque, Churrigueresco, Neoclassical and Modern, which alternate in
many buildings, churches, ex-convents, squares, museums, mansions and
esculptures, undertaken between the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, form
a living museum, scene of styles and artistic proposals of exceptional value.
These exceptional values are reflected through the images and text on this
exhibit. Our goal is to disclose the great cultural richness of our country.
Carrying this photographic exhibit to other countries is the joint effort of the
Mexican National Association of World Heritage Cities together whit
consulates and embassies of México of road.
Why are World Heritage Sites 10 Mexican cities.
Campeche
Enclosed by walls since the 16th century, the city of Campeche was built in
the place once occupied by the village of Can-pech. It is one of the
Mexican Caribbean’s fortified cities, and is the only one that preserves
almost its entire important cultural heritage. World Heritage Site since
1999.
Mexico City
At one time the capital of New Spain, Mexico City has been at the center of
the New World’s most significant scientific, cultural and artistic development
since pre-Hispanic times. Tenochtitlan, which would become “The City of
Palaces”, is one of the planet’s most creative and expressive architectural
phenomena due to the development of its architecture, its monumental art
and the use of space: first during the Aztec Empire, later during the colonial
period and most recently with the unique manifestations of modern,
contemporary urban planning. World Heritage Site since 1987.
Guanajuato
New Spain’s first silver extraction center. The mining activity gave
Guanajuato a special architectural unity. It has some of the most
remarkable examples of New World baroque architecture. Its urban
planning, embedded in the natural surroundings, had created an
exceptional cultural landscape, incorporating industrial and hydraulic
elements into urban topography defined by the narrow river. World
Heritage Site since 1988.
Morelia
Morelia’s Historic Downton integrates an original model of 16th century
urban development into a grid-like layout that unites the urban planning
theories of Renaissance Spain with the Mesoamerican experience.
An original baroque style is expressed through the language of architectural
shapes that speak through the verticality and balance of its buildings shush
as: the specific weight that allows for the visualization of volume in its
towers, and in the discrete use of ornamental elements in its architectonic
complexes. World Heritage Site since 1991.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s Historic Downtown is an ideal example of a 16th century
colonial city. It was the first that had an urban design consisting of square
blocks. The city’s layout, established in 1529, is preserved today as
invaluable heritage, possessing one of the continent’s richest collections of
civil and religious architecture. World Heritage Site since 1987.
Puebla
Halfway between Mexico City and Veracruz, “The City of Angels”—a place
of rest during the tiresome and risky journey along New Spain’s principal
commercial route with the Spanish metropolis—Puebla became a jewel of
religious and civil architecture. A unique panorama of tiles that cover domes
and walls of churches and residences fill the visual landscape with blue and
white ceramics. World Heritage Site since 1987.
Querétaro
Singularly mestizo, Querétaro is a unique example of a colonial city whose
urban design symbolizes its multiethnic population. To the west, in the
ancient Spanish sector, we find impeccable, consistently shaped blocks. To
the east, we see the wavy, diagonal layout of the indigenous population’s
streets and alleys. The city of Santiago de Querétaro is especially
distinguished by the 17th and 18th century baroque architecture which
together with the irregular urban design give this place a historical taste of
particular charm and virtuosity. World Heritage Site since 1996.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende’s urban landscape is enchanting and emblematic.
Built in the center of the country as a singular example of exchange
nourished by influences. A melting pot of: Spaniards, creoles and natives
have left their artistic mark, reflected today in the city’s tangible and
intangible heritage. Today, the Sanctuary of Jesus at Atotonilco serves as a
permanent exhibit of the exchange between the European and Latin
American cultures. The architectural order and interior decoration bear
witness to the interpretation and adaptation of Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s
doctrine in our Mexican context. World Heritage Site since 2008.
Tlacotalpan
Fusing Spanish and Caribbean traditions of exceptional beauty. A city by
the Papaloapan River, Tlacotalpan became the region’s commercial center
thanks to its privileged location tied to the Gulf of Mexico and the Port of
Veracruz. Influences, flavors and similarities of Havana, Cadiz, Malaga,
Genoa and Granada converge in its tangible and intangible atmosphere. In
this World Heritage City, narrow perpendicular lanes pass through wide
streets parallel to the river in this magic site. Buildings of exceptional
character, modest houses rich in variety of styles and tastes. World
Heritage Site since 1998.
Zacatecas
The pink stone building in addition with the brilliant blue sky; the city of
Zacatecas is an unequaled universal fortune of esthetic perfection. It was
one of the principal silver mining centers during the colonial period. The
city’s architecture and layout reflect the wealth that it reached through the
resulting cultural blossoming. Zacatecas is an artistic jewel of the
European baroque style adapted to America’s topography and
idiosyncrasies. Known as the “Silver Aristocrat”, many of the buildings of
Zacatecas make up the exemplary heritage of New Spain’s artistic treasure
trove. Built at the peak of Northern Mexico’s baroque period with profuse
stone carvings, the Cathedral’s facade is one of the most beautiful, an
imposing ornamental tapestry of sculpture. World Heritage Site since
1993.
SAN JOSÉ EL ALTO FORT
This fort was built by Lieutenant Don José Sabido de Vargas who
concluded it in 1792 as a military redoubt.
It is smaller than the San Miguel Fort and possesses a moat and
central courtyard with a cistern and surrounding corridors, a culverin-
shaped entrance, a fixed bridge and a drawbridge.
It can also be observed: the corridor with its guardhouse and
commander’s quarters, metal-reinforced door, ammunition storage
area, warehouse, kitchen and troop quarters.
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Dating back to the 16th century, the Cathedral was built of limestone
and sahcab (white lime-based earth that abounds in the subsoil of the
Yucatan Peninsula that is used in masonry). The façade made of
carved stone, has two principal sections framed by two striated
pilasters on pedestals and a simple, curved crowning element with a
pommel on the axis. The gate’s arch is semicircular with an iron grate.
It is compound by a choir window with multilobular arches and a
sculpture in the middle; false, striated pilasters; niches with sculptures
in the space between the moldings; domed towers and a dome with
buttressed arches on the lateral façade. The church’s floor plan is
shaped like a Latin cross with a single nave divided by transverse
arches. Its dome is hemispherical and possesses eight windows that
rest on a base and scalloped design all decorated with flying
buttresses.
It was built in 1732 by Don Antonio de Figueroa y Silva and is located
between the Bastion of San Francisco and San Juan. It was designed
with an enormous vault which has two rooms for the guardhouse and
officer’s quarters. Above the dome there is a small barrack square
with eight embrasures having a space for raising and lowering the
portcullis for defending the gate with grenades and artillery fire.
LAND GATE
POSTAL PALACE
Mexico City’s Post Office, or Postal Palace its a creation of the Italian
architect Adamo Boari. It was built during the administration of
President Porfirio Díaz ca. 1900’s. The palace is of great attention to
the passerby, not only because of its monumentality, but also because
of its exquisite, original and eclectic style.
Inside the building the visitor receives a welcome impression of
magnificence. On the first level the floors are made of shining marble
and the Italian railings of bronze and iron. However, the beauty of its
main hall particularly bids the visitor to remain a moment more. The
double staircase that invite you to ascend only for the pleasure of
enjoyment, with its luxurious white marble stairs of ample tread and
comfortable riser, which allow us to enjoy the building’s atmosphere
from any height.
“Grandiose” is the word that comes to our mind when viewing the
splendid building occupied by the National Museum of Art (MUNAL).
Formerly the Palace of Communication. The style was inspired by the
Italian Renaissance, especially by the Florentine Strozzi Palaces
making it grandiose with ornamental elements.
Opposite to the museum is the square named after Manuel Tolsá who
was the sculptor for statue of King Charles IV on horseback which can
be appreciated at the center of the esplanade.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART
PALACE OF FINE ARTS
It is Considered Mexico’s finest opera house and principal cultural
venue. The Palace of Fine Arts was commissioned by the president
General Porfirio Díaz, for the centennial celebration of Mexican
Independence.
UNESCO declared the Palace as an artistic monument. It is located in
Mexico City’s Historic downtown.
VIEW OF THE CITY FROM PÍPILA MONUMENT
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City, this historic downtown will
surprise you with the magnificent architecture of its religious and civic
constructions built during the colonial period. Thus established during
the mining boom that Guanajuato experienced between the 16th and
18th centuries.
Walking through the streets and alleys that have inspired the creation
of myths and legends, touring the underground tunnels that connect
one side of the city to the other, you will enjoy the tranquility offered by
its squares and fountains, where you can acquire the best artisanal
products that embody the city’s innate creativity. Also, world-class
cultural performances take place here in Guanajuato, such as the
International Cervantes Festival, an event that brings together a great
number of artists which present visual and cultural performances in its
streets, squares, and in the renowned Juárez Theater, the most
beautiful and important of its venues.
MIGUEL HIDALGO STREET
It is an underground street that has become a symbol of the city. It is
three km. (1.9 mi.) long and is built over the Guanajuato River.
Its layout was adapted to the river’s natural route and the thick stone
arches, erected for different purposes, have been respected. Today
these arches are one of the street’s principal attractions.
Miguel Hidalgo Street begins at Hidalgo square and ends at a Allende
square. On the west is Hidalgo Square with its ample gardens and
cobblestones, and on the east is Allende Square, formerly San Pedro
Square.
JUÁREZ THEATER
This monumental theater was inaugurated in 1903. The neoclassical
style is observed in the façade which each of the eight columns
support a muse.
This style was enriched by the distinctive 19th century elements in the
façade, like the bronze lions and the period lampposts.
The vestibule is an incredible limestone bridge and has a bar with an
elegant screen made of French glass. The 1,100-seat performance
hall is dazzling. Upon entering, the spectacular Moorish decoration of
the entire hall steals our attention.
The Juárez Theater is a permanent performance venue, where its wide
front steps serve as a stage for a mime or other street theater troupe.
MORELIA CATHEDRAL
The time frame to built the Cathedral lasted 84 years. The monument
demonstrates unity and symmetry as a whole. The architectural style is
a reserved baroque. On its exterior, the relief on the facades are
outstanding: the central relief represents the transfiguration of Christ
and is complemented by the two side relief depicting the adoration of
the shepherds and kings.
The Cathedral possesses a beautiful sculpture of Christ known as “The
Lord of the Sacristy” made with the pre-Hispanic cane paste technique,
as well as rich artistic treasures such as monstrances, tabernacles,
sacred vessels and valuable colonial-era paintings.
Every year in May the cathedral building is the spectacular host fir the
International Organ Festival.
MUNICIPAL PALACE
The Municipal Palace was the Tobacco Factory during the colonial
period. Midway through the 19th century, the building was transformed
into the Municipal Palace. Its somber façade is crowned by the classic
Valladolid pine cone that other buildings of the city also display.
SANCTUARY OF GUADALUPE
At the beginning of the 18th century the cult to the Virgin of
Guadalupe was made official in Valladolid. Therefore, the Sanctuary
of the Virgin of Guadalupe was built outside the city. The project
began in 1708 and it was finally finished with the built of the tower in
1716.
SQUARE OF THE DANCE
The Square of the Dance is located next to the Temple of La Soledad.
It was built in 1959 by Eduardo Vasconcelos for aesthetic education
and public recreation. It is in this place where the traditional
Guelaguetza festival is celebrated by the Folkloric Club of Oaxaca one
day before the festival of the Hill of El Fortín. Other cultural events are
celebrated in this square and it has been the stage for performances of
artists, international orchestras and political events. The square was
built of stone, taking advantage of the terrain’s natural slope to make
the bleachers.
REGIONAL DANCERS
Oaxaca has a wide variety of regions with distinct regional
customs and dances that spread their happiness to the public
with their amazing, marvelous costumes.
TEMPLE OF SANTO
DOMINGO
Built in 1520 as the city’s most important temples, occupying an
area of 24 lots. The property was declared a historic
monument on March 30, 1933.
The building decoration is one of the most outstanding
examples of Mexican baroque. Including the exceptional
genealogical tree of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and 36
paintings illustrating Old Testament passages and scenes from
the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
PUEBLA’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Puebla’s Historic downtown was declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1987. It preserves 2,619 monuments as one of the world’s
largest Heritage Sites.
Part of Puebla’s appeal has to do with its layout which allows for
straight and perfectly aligned streets that follow the founding plans of
April 16, 1531. The plans sought to edify a city for Spaniards which
would follow the ideas of Renaissance urban planning in search of the
“ideal city”.
Native laborers, settled in specific places throughout the city, were used
for its construction. This is how a Spanish Puebla and an Indigenous
Puebla were born. The historic downton’s layout remains the same,
shaped by the Main Square, or Zócalo, surrounded by archways, the
Municipal Palace and the great cathedral, as well as more than 60
churches, convents and colleges that are examples of the great
viceregal Puebla.
PALAFOX LIBRARY
The Palafox Library is the first New World’s public library. It was
founded by Juan de Palafox y Mendoza on September 5, 1646
with the donation of 5,000 volumes from his private collection,
with only one condition: that it might be consulted by any citizen
of Puebla who could read. The collection includes 42,556
volumes and 5,345 manuscripts from every discipline. In June
2005 UNESCO granted the Library the title of “The World’s
Memory” since it is considered the only ancient library in the
Americas that is preserved in the original building with furniture
and bookshelves, and is the only known library in the world that
is ornamented with a baroque screen known as retablo.
CHAPEL OF THE ROSARY
The Temple of Santo Domingo’s Chapel of the Rosary was
dedicated on April 16, 1790. Since that moment on it has been
considered a veritable wonder. Indeed, it is a marvel of fantasy
and of technique realized by men without scholastic prejudices
and by artisans of great manual skill. Rich golden moldings
between which the tender flesh of naked cherubs float and
archangels’ iridescent wings billow, covering the vaults, the walls,
the scallops and the arches. Thus, rising to the cupola where they
twist around fabulous flowers that live beneath the resplendence
of a golden sun.
AQUEDUCT
Querétaro’s aqueduct -symbol of the city- iis a monumental
structure that was constructed thanks to Querétaran
benefactor Don Juan Antonio de Urrutia y Arana, Marquis De
la Villa del Villar del Águila. The aqueduct was built in order
to satisfy a request from the Capuchin nuns and to channel
water to the city along the way between 1726 and 1735.
Consisting of 74 arches that reach an average height of 23
m. (75 ft.) and is 1280 meters (4200 ft.) long is considered as
the largest aqueduct in Mexico.
ZENEA PARK
Today Zenea Park offers residents and visitors a placid place to
enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
In the center of the park, stands a tall cast iron statue which
represents Hebe, Greek goddess of youth. Pouring a stream of
water from her amphora over the beaks of a group of thirsty
swans.
FORMER CONVENT OF SAN AGUSTÍN
The Former Convent of San Agustín is considered one of the
jewels of Querétaro baroque. The cloister presents a wonderful
ornamental sequence of undulating cornices, caryatids, foliage,
columns, volutes and masks, making it one of Latin America’s
loveliest cloisters.
Today this property is home to the Querétaro Art Museum.
PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MICHAEL THE
ARCHANGEL
The original parish church, La Parroquia, was built in the late 17th
century following a reltively conventional, modest design. This
changed dramatically in 1880 when master mason Zeferino
Gutiérrez was commissioned to create a new façade. A self-
taught architect Zeferino Gutiérrez took the inspiration for his
design from drawings, engravings and postcards of European
cathedrals. The resulting Gothic Revival fantasy whose towers
can be seen from almost any point in the city has made La
Parroquia one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.
SHRINE OF THE APOSTLES
OF THE SANCTUARY OF JESUS OF
NAZARETH
AT ATOTONILCO
The Sanctuary of Jesus of Nazareth at Atotonilco was the result
of an artistic joint in which architecture, painting, sculpture, poetry
literature, rituals and devotion are united with extraordinary
intensity. However, because of its artistic attributes, it represents
more history than just an exceptional monument. Because of its
scope, it can be accordingly considered one of the most
exceptional and effective examples of Latin American baroque.
Presenting a clear coherence between its spatial and formal
conception, its dogmatic discourse, ritual and popular devotion.
HOLY ENTOMBMENT
Among the prominent religious festivities during Holy Week in San
Miguel de Allende, is the celebration of the Holy Entombment.
Thus taking place on Good Friday in the Temple of the Oratory of
San Felipe Neri.
The Holy Entombment is an impressive act of majesty and
solemnity where members of the San Miguel community
participate by carrying lanterns and heavy, sacred images
symbolizing Christ and the Holy Virgin of Solitude and angels. This
event has been celebrated for nearly 300 years. It is accompanied
by music and liturgy specially composed in the late 19th century for
this type of event.
CHARACTERISTIC ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of the 19th century corresponds to archways,
gabled roofs and balconies with iron or wood grating. Several
public buildings, roads, the central park with its gazebo and grand
homes were the result of economic growth and European
influence. The spontaneous and contrasting use of color was the
result of the intense, tropical luminosity and brilliant hues of nature
surrounding the city.
PAROCHIAL TEMPLE OF SAN
CRISTÓBAL
This is considered Tlacotalpan’s most important temple. It was
one of the final projects carried out during the colonial
administration. Its construction began in 1812 but was
suspended for more than 40 years until recommenced in 1849
through the initiative of Miguel Zacarías Cházaro. Of ample
dimensions and neoclassical in style, the monument was rebuilt
under the supervision of Luis Zapari who reinforced the walls
and closed the arch. It is compound with the principal altarpiece
carved in wood that holds an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe
at the center. Next to the altar there is a chapel that also
displays an impeccable wood altarpiece with the image of Jesus
Christ.
FESTIVAL OF THE CANDELARIA
The most important holiday of Tlacotalpan is to honor the Virgen
de la Candelaria on February 2nd.. The festivities start with the walk
along the river and the presentation of the Child in the Temple.
Continuing with the: jarocho, gathering of revelers, races, rides,
fairs, masquerades, "Pamplona", and cultural events, along with
fireworks.
AQUEDUCT
The construction of the El Cubo Aqueduct began during the final
years of the colonial period and concluded during the first years of
independent Mexico. Thanks to its archways, the uneven ground
was overcome and water was conveyed from the well at El Cubo to
Villareal Square (Independence Square).
The archways that constitute the aqueduct’s sculptural design were
made from stone masonry which was remodeled with six buttressed
arches with construction similar to that of the original arches.
CATHEDRAL OF ZACATECAS
The construction of this masterpiece of New Spanish baroque
architecture began in 1731 and was completed in 1752. Its
exuberant decoration contains the representation of the Holy
Trinity at the center which begins at the choir window with the
Holy Spirit, continuing with Christ the Son and finally with the
Eternal Father in the crowning element. This composition is
flanked by the twelve apostles.
EDEN MINE
This mine operated in the late 16th century producing: gold,
silver, iron, zinc and lead. Later on it, gradually stopped operating
due to urbanization and constant flooding.
On January 1, 1975 the Eden Mine opened its doors to the public
and since then it has been adapted to function as a tourist
attraction.