WORLD HERITAGE MARVELS: Find them all around
Mexico
Mexico is ranked first in the Americas and eighth
worldwide in UNESCO sites. The country's islands and protected areas in
the Gulf of Baja California are the most recent addition to Mexico's
impressive list of 25 sites recognized by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since 1987.
UNESCO's World Heritage sites are cultural, natural, or mixed landmarks
that represent the rich culture of a country and deserve international
recognition. After a destination is deemed a World Heritage site, a
country may receive financial assistance and expert advice from the
World Heritage Committee to support activities for the preservation of
its sites. Since 1972, UNESCO has inscribed 812 properties in 137
countries worldwide on its World Heritage List. For more information,
visit http://whc.unesco.org.
A description of Mexico's official World Heritage
sites with their dates of designation follow. Some are already popular
tourist sites, including Sian Ka'an in the Riviera Maya (1987) and the
Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987); others, such as
the Historic Center of Zacatecas (1993) and the Franciscan Missions in
the Sierra Gorda (2003) in Queretaro, are off the beaten path but
undoubtedly merit the extra effort to visit.
Islands
and Protected Areas in the Gulf of Baja California (2005): Nestled between the shores of the northwestern Mexican states of
Sinaloa, Sonora and the Baja California peninsula, the 244 islands,
islets and coastal areas comprising the area, have been called a
natural laboratory for the investigation of speciation. The rugged
islands, with their high cliffs and sandy beaches are also home to 695
vascular plant species, more than any other marine and insular property
on the World Heritage List. In addition, the aquatic paradise contains
39% of the world's total number of species of marine mammals and a
third of the world's marine cetacean species.
House and
Studio of Mexican architect Luis Barragan, Mexico City (2004): The house and studio were built in 1948 and are located in a
suburb of Mexico City called Tacubaya. Barragan worked in the Second
World-War era and his work exemplified a synthesis of modern and
traditional artistic elements. The house is built from concrete and
consists of a ground floor, two upper stories and a small private
garden.
Franciscan
Missions in the Sierra Gorda, Queretaro (2003): The five missions, a historical treasure little-known among
tourists, were built in the mid-18th century and became an important
reference for the continuation of the evangelization and colonization
of California, Arizona and Texas. Their richly decorated and colorful
facades are a unique example of the joint creative efforts of the
missionaries and indigenous populations.
Ancient Mayan
City of Calakmul, Campeche (2002):
Calakmul is one of the largest known Mayan sites, located in Campeche
in the Tierras Bajas jungles. It covers approximately 70 square
kilometers, and is estimated to have had a population of 50,000 in the
height of its power. The central urban core of Calakmul is delineated
on the north by a substantial wall, probably for defense of the most
important political structures and residences.
Archaeological
Monuments Zone, Xochicalco (1999):
Xochicalco (Place of Flowers) is one of the richest archaeological
sites in Mexico, developed from 650 to 900 A.D. between the
destruction of Teotihuacan (Aztec) and the beginning of Toltec
civilization. Xochicalco was not only the oldest known fortress in
Middle America, but also a well-fortified religious, political and
commercial center.
Historic
Fortified Town, Campeche (1999): In colonial
times, the port city of Campeche was constantly under attack by
European pirates. The walls that were erected around the entire city to
protect the harbor from invasion still stand today, offering the
visitor a stirring reminder of Mexican history.
Archaeological
Zone of Paquime, Casas Grandes (1998): This ancient Indian settlement in Chihuahua State was one of the
most important cities in northern Mexico between 900 and 1300 A.D. It served
as a major trade center, connecting Mexico's Toltec civilization with
the Pueblo-Oasis tribes of the American southwest.
Historic
Monuments Zone, Tlacotalpan (1998): This
Spanish colonial river port city near Mexico's Gulf coast was founded
in the 16th century. With its wide streets and colorfully painted
houses, the city combines gardens, ancient trees and Spanish and
Caribbean traditions of exceptional importance and quality.
Hospicio
Cabanas, Guadalajara (1997): Completed in 1810
as a house of charity, it is the city's proudest cultural institute,
with a performing arts center, galleries and a museum. It is noted for
simplicity of design and open spaces. The building's main attraction is
a chapel with a mural painted by the great Mexican artist Jose Clemente
Orozco between 1936 and 1939.
Historic
Monuments Zone, Queretaro (1996): Little
has changed in Queretaro's city center, filled with colonial mansions
and immaculate walkways. Founded in 1531, this colonial city located in
central Mexico is adorned with inspiring architecture and retains its
original street patterns from the period of native Indians and Spanish
conquerors.
Prehispanic
Town, Uxmal (1996): Uxmal was one of the
largest cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, and at its height was home to
about 25,000 Mayans. Like the other Puuc sites, it flourished from 600-900 A.D. The name
Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of
its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. The Pyramid of the Soothsayer,
as the Spaniards called it, dominates the ceremonial center. Its rulers
are said to have presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labna
and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture.
Monasteries on
the Slopes, Popocatepetl (1994): Fourteen
Christian monasteries stand on the slopes of the Popocatepetl, a
dormant volcano southeast of Mexico City. They are excellent examples
of the architectural style adopted by the first missionaries -
Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians - who tried to convert the
native Indians to Christianity in the early 16th century.
Rock
Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco (1993): These are some of the most mystifying and
well-preserved rock paintings in the world. Dating to 100 B.C., the
Sierra de San Francisco (in the El Vizcaino reserve on the Baja
California Peninsula) was home to people who left behind a magical
testimony on history, a unique outlook on the relationship between
mankind and the environment and a profound worldview. The drawings show
human figures and many animal species.
Historic
Center, Zacatecas (1993): Founded
in 1546, this fabled silver city's historic town center houses
magnificent churches, abandoned convents and breathtaking Baroque
architecture. For centuries, the city served as the northern frontier
of Spain's New World empire. The main attractions are the cathedral
(built between 1707 and 1752), the Plaza de Armas (main square dating
to the 18th century), the Mina el Eden (an ancient mine) and the
Calderon Theater, with its art nouveau facade.
Whale
Sanctuary, El Vizcaino (1993): The waters of the Baja California Coast provide shelter for many
different species. The fin whale, the humpback whale, the sei whale and
the blue whale journey to the Gulf of California every year to
reproduce. Out of the 45 marine mammals that coexist in Mexican waters,
38 permanently reside in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. The gray
whale performs one of the longest migrations known, with its southern
point in this area. The mammal travels more than 5,000 miles
from the Baja California Peninsula to the Arctic Circle and feeds in
the Chukchi and Bering seas. The whales return
annually to the lagoons of San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre to mate and
bear offspring. As a result of protective measures, approximately 900
calves are now born each year in Mexican waters in the protection of El
Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Under these conditions, the gray whale
population has grown back to more than 27,000.
Prehispanic
City of El Tajin (1992): Located in the
state of Veracruz, this jungle city was a large, powerful and important
ceremonial center. First construction likely began here 2,000 years ago
and the city reached its peak from 600 to 900 A.D. Its niche
pyramids are unique in the Americas. Its architecture is characterized
by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and friezes.
Historic
Center, Morelia (1991): Morelia, the
capital city of Michoacan State, was founded in 1541 and contains more
than 200 historic buildings, including restored mansions and churches.
Its buildings are made mostly of pink-colored stone with intricate
facades. The city combines a blend of Renaissance, Baroque and
Neoclassical styles.
Prehispanic
City of Chichen-Itza (1988): Chichen-Itza
is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in
Mexico, located two hours by bus from Cancun. It is two cities: one was
ruled by the Mayans from the 6th to the10th century A.D. and the other
was a Toltec-Mayan city that emerged in 1000 A.D. The site
combines Toltec and Mayan influences and is ripe with cosmological
symbolism. Its four sides contain 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces
(for the 18 months of the religious year). The site also contains a
cenote (limestone sacred well or sinkhole) and an observatory.
Historic Town
of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines (1988): Located in central Mexico, Guanajuato, which was founded by the
Spanish in the 16th century, quickly became one of the most important
silver centers in the world. For nearly 250 years, nearly one-third of
the world's silver came from this city. The town boasts baroque and
neoclassical architecture as a result of its great wealth. One example
is La Valenciana,
one of Mexico's most ornate churches, completed in 1788. Another Baroque church is La Basilica, built
in the 17th century.
Historic
Center, Puebla (1987): The city of
Puebla, founded in 1531, is one of Mexico's most culturally significant
cities and home to several important historical events. Capital of
Puebla State, the city is home to beautiful buildings in colonial, art
deco and other styles made of gray stone, red brick and tiles. The city
is known for its intricate hand-painted ceramics, known as Talavera, as
well as for its renowned cuisine.
Historic
Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban (1987): Once the center of the Mixtec and Zapotec
civilizations, Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and
modern influences. Some of the many sites in the city's historical
downtown include the main plaza, the government palace, the Cathedral
of Oaxaca and the city market, as well as some of Mexico's most
ornately decorated churches. The area's main attraction is the
archaeological site of Monte Alban, one of the most impressive burial
places in the Western Hemisphere.
Prehispanic
City of Teotihuacan (1987): The
archaeological zone of Teotihuacan is one of the country's major
tourist attractions. In the past it
was one of the largest and most complex metropoli in prehispanic
Mexico. Its main structures include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid
of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, as well as an on-site
museum. The culture that produced this magnificent city originated in
the first century A.D., reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th
centuries A.D., and subsequently declining until it was eventually
abandoned.
Historic
Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987): Mexico City, the exact site upon which the great Aztec
civilization flourished, is a remarkable showcase of 3,000 years of
cultural achievement. It is one of the world's oldest continuously
inhabited cities and now one of its largest cities, with a metropolitan
area population approaching 23 million. The city has five Aztec
temples, the largest cathedral on the continent and 11 ecological
parks. Mexico City's Zocalo is the third largest square in the world
and has witnessed a wealth of historical, religious and political
development since the 14th century. Xochimilco,
with a population of 300,000, is just south of Mexico City. It contains
historic buildings, a main plaza, bricked streets, and an intricate
network of canals and floating plots of land whose origins date back to
prehispanic times. Structures built during the colonial era have been
well-preserved.
Prehispanic
City and National Park of Palenque (1987): A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period,
Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700 A.D., when its
influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. The
elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness
of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes, attest to
the creative genius of this civilization.
Sian Ka'an,
Riviera Maya (1987): This
1.3-million acre ecological park of forests, lagoons, exotic marine
habitats and wetlands is located on the east coast of the Yucatan
peninsula. The biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves
and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier
reef. Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka'an's complex hydrological
system also provides a habitat for an impressive variety of flora and a
fauna.
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