Cuernavaca, originally kuánouáka meaning the place of long and thin trees, is approximately 40 miles south of Mexico City in the state of Morelos. Its climate has earned it the nickname of the City of Eternal Spring and for hundreds of years, it was a retreat for indigenous leaders and the conquistadors. Now with a burdgeoning population of approximately 500,000 it too faces the complexity of a globalized world. It stands at a different crossroads, the one between the north and south of Mexico. In a country where over 60 indigenous languages are spoken amongst an influx of multi-national companies and foreign owned banks, many struggle to survive. It is estimated 10% of the families in Cuernavaca have had at least one family member who has immigrated North and the state of Morelos has a sizable indigenous population. The state has struggled with pollution and its commercial agricultural production was halted several years ago due to a contaminated water supply. While CCIDD looks at these issues as well as the ones facing women and children, we also find great hope here in the social movements, organizations, and inspiring individuals.

Come, explore, and be inspired by the movement for an Otro Mundo!

Inside Cuernavaca

World famous for its year round spring-like climate, Cuernavaca was the holiday choice of Aztec rulers long before the Spanish conquest. Hernan Cortés followed that tradition and built a palace which still stands and houses the Historical Museum. The construction of the Cathedral was personally supervised by Cortés and housed Franciscan missionaries. Cuernavaca is approximately 40 miles south of Mexico City but worlds apart in pace. At approximately 1500 meter (5,000 feet) in altitude, it is some 800 meter (2,500 feet) lower and thus warmer. Magnificent views of the western flank of Popocatepetl Volcano can be seen on clear days. The Tepozteco Valley viewed from the hills surrounding Cuernavaca offers impressive sights.

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History
The people settling in the valleys of modern Morelos around 1220 developed a highly productive agricultural society based at Cuauhnáhuac, the original name of Cuernavaca meaning Place at the Edge of the Forest.

When the Spanish arrived, the Tlahuica were fiercely loyal to the Aztec empire, savagely resisting the advance of the conquistadors. In April 1521, they were finally overcome, and Cortés torched the city. Destroying the city pyramid, Cortés used the stones to build a fortress-palace on the pyramid's base. He also built from the rubble the Catedral de la Asunción another fortress-like structure in a walled compound.

 

GREAT SIGHTSEEING
Plaza de Armas & Jardin Juárez - The Plaza de Armas, Cuernavaca's zócalo, is flanked on the east by the Palacio de Cortés, on the west by the Palacio de Gobierno and on the northeast and south by a number of restaurants. Roving vendors sell balloons, ice cream and corn on the cob under the trees.

Palacio de Cortés - Cortés' imposing medieval-style fortress stands at the southeastern end of the Plaza de Armas. Construction of this two-story stone palace was accomplished between 1522 and 1532, and was done on the base of the pyramid that Cortés destroyed, still visible from various points on the ground floor. Today the palace houses the Museo de Cuauhnáhuac with two floors of exhibits highlighting the history and cultures of Mexico.

Jardín Borda - These gardens were built in 1783 for Manuel de la Borda, as an addition to the stately residence built by his father, José de la Borda, the Taxco silver magnate. From 1866, the house was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota, who entertained their courtiers in the gardens. You can tour the house and the gardens to get an idea of how Mexico's aristocracy lived.

Recinto de la Catedral - Cuernavaca's cathedral stands in a large high-walled compound (recinto). Like the Palacio de Cortés, the cathedral was built on a grand scale and in a fortress-like style, as a defense against the natives and to impress and intimidate them. Franciscans started work under Cortés in 1526, using indigenous labor and stones from the rubble of Cuauhnáhuac; it was one of the earliest Christian missions in Mexico.

Museo Robert Brady - Robert Brady (1928-86), an American artist and collector, lived in Cuernavaca for 24 years. His home, the Casa de la Torre, was originally part of the monastery within the Recinto de la Cathedral. Brady had it extensively renovated and decorated with paintings, carvings, textiles, antiques and decorative and folk arts he'd acquired in his travels around the world. The main attraction is the sheer size and diversity of the collection, and the way it is arranged with delightful combinations and contrast of styles, periods and places.

Salto de San Antón - The salto is a 36m waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. A walkway is built into the cliff face so you can go right behind the falls, where there are a few picnic tables.

Casa Maximiliano - In Cuernavaca's suburbs, this 1866 house was once the rural retreat for the Emperor Maximilian, where he would meet his indigenous lover. Now the house includes the Museo de Medicina Tradicional, a museum of traditional herbal medicine. Around the museum, the Járdin Etnobotánico has a collection of 455 herbs and medicinal plants from around the world.

Pirámide de Teopanzolco - This small archaelogical site is on Río Balsas. There are actually two pyramids, one inside the other. You can climb upon the outer base and see the older pyramide within, with a double staircase leading up to the remains of a pair of temples. Several other smaller platform structures surround the double pyramid.

 

Cuernavaca Centro

The streets of Cuernavaca

Plazuela