Cuernavaca

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Cathedral during daytime in city of Cuernavaca Mexico

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Overview

There’s always been a formidable glamour surrounding Cuernavaca (kwehr-nah-vah-kah), the capital of Morelos state. With its vast, gated haciendas and sprawling estates, it has traditionally attracted high-society visitors year-round for its warmth, clean air and attractive architecture. Today this tradition continues, even though urban sprawl has put a decisive end to the clean air and you’re more likely to see vacationing North Americans and college students studying Spanish on monthlong courses than meet international royalty or great artists in the street.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Museo Robert Brady

Cuernavaca

Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be independently wealthy and spend their life traveling around the world collecting art for their lavish Mexican…

Catedral de Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca’s cathedral, Templo de la Asunción de María is plain and solid with an unembellished facade. It stands in a large high-walled recinto (compound…

Palacio de Cortés

Cuernavaca

Cortés’ imposing medieval-style fortress stands opposite the southeast end of the Plaza de Armas. This two-story stone palace was built in 1535 on the…

Jardín Borda

Cuernavaca

This extravagant property, inspired by Versailles (though with mere park-like results), features gardens formally laid out in a series of terraces with…

Museo Juan Soriano

Cuernavaca

Opened in 2018, this contemporary art museum is comprised of off-white cubes squatting a few blocks west of the zócalo. Temporary exhibits have included…

Pirámide de Teopanzolco

Cuernavaca

This very small archaeological site, 1km northeast of the center, actually has two pyramids, one inside the other. You can climb on the outer base and see…

Jardín Juárez

Cuernavaca

Adjoining the northwest corner of the Plaza de Armas is the Jardín Juárez, where the central gazebo (designed by tower specialist Gustave Eiffel) houses…

Papalote Museo del Niño

Cuernavaca

Built as part of a land deal with the city, this excellent children’s museum has an odd location in a shopping center beside a Costco, about 4km north of…

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