HISTORY
Capital of the state of Morelos,
Cuernavaca has a storied past.
What is today the state of Morelos
was inhabited by the Chichimecs and inhabited by the Xochimilca
and later the Tlahuica, who founded Cuauhnáhuac, which the
Spanish renamed Cuernavaca in 1521.
The city boasts one of the most agreeable climates
in the country and is adorned with charismatic colonial architecture
and colorful flowers year-round.
Spanish language education taught to foreigners dates
back to the 1960s when the town was put on the map by U.S., Canadian
and European students attracted by the offer of immersion learning.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Cuernavaca served as the residence of Spanish conqueror
Hernan Cortés. The Palacio de Cortés, built between
1522 and 1532, showcases the country's history, culture and tradition.
The building is located on the main square. The second floor is
adorned with murals that depict Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
The Museo Robert Brady, Calle Netzahualcoyotl #4,
was the home of U.S. artist and collector Robert Brady. The museum
includes several paintings by well-known Mexican artists, including
Kahlo, Tamayo and Covarrubias and also has an extensive mask collection
from around the world. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Group
reservations can be made at other times. Modest entrance fee.
NATURAL WORLD
A pleasant excursion is Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, 25 kilometers
(16 miles) northwest of the city.
Some of the park's seven lakes are stocked with game fish. In terms
of biological diversity or even entertainment, this is adequate,
but not representative of Mexico's grandeur. You'll find well-worn
paths for hiking and even some areas for camping. All in all, it's
an easy day trip. To get there from the highway between Mexico City
and Cuernavaca, turn off the main road at Tres Marías and
head west through the town of Huitzilac.
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