Cuernavaca
Appropriately called “the city of eternal spring,” the capital of Morelos
is one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities. Just 65 miles south of Mexico City,
but about 2,000 feet lower in altitude, Cuernavaca has been the chosen vacation
spot of various notables over the centuries. Moctezuma, Hernan Cortés and
Archduke Maximilian all maintained summer homes here, and it remains the favorite
weekend destination of Mexico City’s elite today.
Some Fun Things to Do During the Day
Museo de Cuauhnáhuac, formerly Hernan Cortés’ palace, has been
much altered since its construction began in 1530. Today it houses historical
exhibits, various paintings and sculptures and murals by Diego Rivera and Roberto
Cueva del Río.
Cathedral de la Asunción, begun in 1533 and refurbished in the 1960s, still
houses remains of early frescoes mysteriously done in a Japanese style. Don’t
miss the famous Mariachi mass at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Jardín Borda Centro de Artes, the vacation estate complete with Louis XIV-style
gardens built by silver magnate José de la Borda in the late 1700s, was
so lovely that Archduke Maximilian and Carlota renovated it to become their summer
retreat in 1864.
Pirámide de Teopanzolco, discovered in 1910 and probably built by the Aztecs,
is located near the railroad station.
Museo Casa Robert Brady, which houses the extensive collection of the man by the
same name in his former residence, contains more than 1,300 works of art and antiques
from pre-Hispanic days through the present and includes pieces from Africa, Asia
and India as well.
Museo de la Herbolaria, housed in the former vacation retreat where Maximilian
rendezvoused with his lover La India Bonita, today is a museum of traditional
herbal medicine.
At
night
There are a variety of cafes where people gather until early morning; try La Parroquia
or Los Pasteles de Vienés. Band concerts are held in the Jardín
Juárez on Thursday and Sunday evenings.Shopping
Wood furniture in Spanish colonial style, ceramics, straw work, silver and leather
articles all can be found in the main plaza. Silver religious items handmade by
monks at the Emaus Monastery are sold in the atrium of the cathedral.
Dining
The restaurant in the Hotel Las Mañanitas is considered one of the 25 best
in the world.
La India Bonita, named for Maximilian’s lover and housed in the former residence
of American Ambassador Dwight Morrow, offers pre-Hispanic dishes and grilled meats.
La Arboleda, in the Camino Real Sumiya, the former residence of “Poor Little
Rich Girl” Barbara Hutton, offers Oriental dishes.
Excursions
Balneario Exhacienda de Temixco, about 5 miles south of town, is a complex of
swimming and wading pools, toboggan runs, sports fields and acres of gardens,
all within the ruins of a 17th-century sugar plantation.
San Antón Falls, less than a mile from downtown, features a walk carved
in stone behind the cascade. |
