Exploring the world series. Intro to Cuernavaca. Mexico

Description

Called the "city of eternal spring" because of its temperate climate, Cuernavaca has been a popular vacation retreat for centuries and was the summer residence for Aztec rulers. Just outside the city is Teopanzolco, an ancient city built around 700 AD and abandoned by 900 AD, and once a trading center for native peoples. We visit the Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent where a guide explains how the carvings on the walls were necessary for the Mesoamerican calendar. Nearby is Hacienda San Gabriel, built in 1529 under orders by Hernan Cortes. It has been a sugar cane plantation and a monastery but now is a luxury hotel with an art collection from around the world that enhances the historic atmosphere of the buildings. Back in the city, we see the Palace of Cortes, built in the 1530s in the Renaissance style, and now the city's museum. The most revered building in Cuernavaca is its cathedral, the Church of the Assumption, still a functional church and a center for the community. The open Chapel of San Jose is original to the site and was a place for the unbaptized to congregate. Also once a part of the monastery is the Robert Brady Museum. This American artist and collector bought the property in 1962 and lived the remainder of his life there and donated the property and its contents to the city at his death. The star of his art collection is "Self-Portrait with Monkey" by Frida Kahlo, and there are lithographs, textiles, masks and other colonial Mexican art as well. Just as Aztec rulers and Cortes have enjoyed the ambiance of the city over the centuries, we can also get the royal treatment at Hosteria Las Quintas Resort and Spa to highlight our lovely visit to Cuernavaca.

Runtime

23 minutes

Series

Geography

Genre

Database

Alexander Street

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