|
|
MEXICO - HISTORY & CULTURE
For those interested in history and culture, Mexico is a country with a diverse legacy of different pre-hispanic cultures established in Mesoamerica, some of them dating from more than 3 thousand years ago. Mexico has numerous architectural treasures, and due to their historic and artistic importance, the UNESCO has declared many of these edifices World Heritage Sites.
Among the most important examples are archaeological zones Teotihuacán, in the State of Mexico; Monte Alban, in Oaxaca; El Tajin, in Veracruz; and Uxmal and Chichen Itza, on the Yucatan Peninsula. These sites were ancient ceremonial centers of the Teotihuacanas, Zapotecas, Totonacas and Mayans, respectively. Today, the ruins receive thousands of tourists from all over the world, who find the magnificent courtyards, temples and pyramids absolutely fascinating. Some of the archaeological zones are surrounded by incredible natural scenery, such as valleys, jungles, rivers and waterfalls, making them spectacular destinations full of magic and charm.
Also of interest are the historic centers of Mexico City and Puebla, in Mexico’s central region; of Oaxaca, in the south; of Campeche, in the southeast; of Zacatecas, in the north; and those of Queretaro, Guanajuato and Morelia; in the Bajio region.
|
|
|
All of these cities were built on top of pre-Hispanic settlements after the Spanish conquest. Over time, these places acquired an elegant European feel, as you’ll see in the well preserved plazas and magnificent religious and civic constructions, many of which served as offices for the ruling class during Mexico’s colonial era.
As you walk along the streets of these cities and marvel at the impressive architecture, you also can enjoy the amenities that only a big city can offer, while at the same time you can appreciate the splendor of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and colonial past. In short, Mexico offers more vestiges of pre-Hispanic civilizations than any other Latin American country, as evidenced by its many ancient ceremonial grounds, sculptures, manuscripts, cave paintings and thousands of artifacts.
Mexico’s architecture has been so magnificent and prolific that the country ranks third worldwide among nations with the most cities that have been declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. In these metropolises, and in the small towns and colonial cities of Mexico, you will find unique representations that blend influences from indigenous and Spanish cultures: In Puebla, Oaxaca and Morelia you will see stunning cathedrals; in Guanajuato you’ll find a number of sacred constructions and major historical sites such as the Alhondiga de Granaditas (Public Granary); in Campeche you can see the remains of a wall and bulwarks that once protected the city from pirate attacks. In the nation’s capital, Mexico City will amaze you with the architectural beauty of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) or the Palacio Postal (Postal Palace), built in the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles that saw an important boom in the beginning of the 20th century. Throughout the country you can find old haciendas, which have maintained their original structure and have been converted into hotels and restaurants. |
|
|
|
