What is World Heritage

The world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO are unique places of

special cultural and natural tourist attraction where visitors can learn about

the historical legacy of a lively and endearing country that deserves

recognition and appreciation of the international community.

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and is

transmitted to future generations. World Heritage sites belong to all peoples

of the world, regardless of the territory where they are located.

World cultural heritage should not be viewed with nostalgia for a vanished

greatness, but as a challenge of humanity's struggle to join rescue and

conservation, aware that this represents the preservation of the most

valuable fruit of the human race, culture, which is not simply theembodiment of its spirit.

World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

The world has 226 cities declared World Heritage by UNESCO which 10 are

based in Mexico, just behind of Spain and Italy. This is a pride and a great

responsibility for Mexicans. This joint effort will provide through this shows

the outstanding universal values for each of these cities received the

Declaration of UNESCO as World Heritage.

In them we find the essence of the original paths that combine indigenous

architecture and colonial forms, as well as the Mudejar, Plateresque,

Baroque, Churrigueresco, Neoclassical and Modern, which alternate in

many buildings, churches, ex-convents, squares, museums, mansions and

esculptures, undertaken between the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, form

a living museum, scene of styles and artistic proposals of exceptional value.

These exceptional values are reflected through the images and text on this

exhibit. Our goal is to disclose the great cultural richness of our country.

Carrying this photographic exhibit to other countries is the joint effort of the

Mexican National Association of World Heritage Cities together whit

consulates and embassies of México of road.

Why are World Heritage Sites 10 Mexican cities.

Campeche

Enclosed by walls since the 16th century, the city of Campeche was built in

the place once occupied by the village of Can-pech. It is one of the

Mexican Caribbean’s fortified cities, and is the only one that preserves

almost its entire important cultural heritage. World Heritage Site since

1999.

Mexico City

At one time the capital of New Spain, Mexico City has been at the center of

the New World’s most significant scientific, cultural and artistic development

since pre-Hispanic times. Tenochtitlan, which would become “The City of

Palaces”, is one of the planet’s most creative and expressive architectural

phenomena due to the development of its architecture, its monumental art

and the use of space: first during the Aztec Empire, later during the colonial

period and most recently with the unique manifestations of modern,

contemporary urban planning. World Heritage Site since 1987.

Guanajuato

New Spain’s first silver extraction center. The mining activity gave

Guanajuato a special architectural unity. It has some of the most

remarkable examples of New World baroque architecture. Its urban

planning, embedded in the natural surroundings, had created an

exceptional cultural landscape, incorporating industrial and hydraulic

elements into urban topography defined by the narrow river. World

Heritage Site since 1988.

Morelia

Morelia’s Historic Downton integrates an original model of 16th century

urban development into a grid-like layout that unites the urban planning

theories of Renaissance Spain with the Mesoamerican experience.

An original baroque style is expressed through the language of architectural

shapes that speak through the verticality and balance of its buildings shush

as: the specific weight that allows for the visualization of volume in its

towers, and in the discrete use of ornamental elements in its architectonic

complexes. World Heritage Site since 1991.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s Historic Downtown is an ideal example of a 16th century

colonial city. It was the first that had an urban design consisting of square

blocks. The city’s layout, established in 1529, is preserved today as

invaluable heritage, possessing one of the continent’s richest collections of

civil and religious architecture. World Heritage Site since 1987.

Puebla

Halfway between Mexico City and Veracruz, “The City of Angels”—a place

of rest during the tiresome and risky journey along New Spain’s principal

commercial route with the Spanish metropolis—Puebla became a jewel of

religious and civil architecture. A unique panorama of tiles that cover domes

and walls of churches and residences fill the visual landscape with blue and

white ceramics. World Heritage Site since 1987.

Querétaro

Singularly mestizo, Querétaro is a unique example of a colonial city whose

urban design symbolizes its multiethnic population. To the west, in the

ancient Spanish sector, we find impeccable, consistently shaped blocks. To

the east, we see the wavy, diagonal layout of the indigenous population’s

streets and alleys. The city of Santiago de Querétaro is especially

distinguished by the 17th and 18th century baroque architecture which

together with the irregular urban design give this place a historical taste of

particular charm and virtuosity. World Heritage Site since 1996.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende’s urban landscape is enchanting and emblematic.

Built in the center of the country as a singular example of exchange

nourished by influences. A melting pot of: Spaniards, creoles and natives

have left their artistic mark, reflected today in the city’s tangible and

intangible heritage. Today, the Sanctuary of Jesus at Atotonilco serves as a

permanent exhibit of the exchange between the European and Latin

American cultures. The architectural order and interior decoration bear

witness to the interpretation and adaptation of Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s

doctrine in our Mexican context. World Heritage Site since 2008.

Tlacotalpan

Fusing Spanish and Caribbean traditions of exceptional beauty. A city by

the Papaloapan River, Tlacotalpan became the region’s commercial center

thanks to its privileged location tied to the Gulf of Mexico and the Port of

Veracruz. Influences, flavors and similarities of Havana, Cadiz, Malaga,

Genoa and Granada converge in its tangible and intangible atmosphere. In

this World Heritage City, narrow perpendicular lanes pass through wide

streets parallel to the river in this magic site. Buildings of exceptional

character, modest houses rich in variety of styles and tastes. World

Heritage Site since 1998.

Zacatecas

The pink stone building in addition with the brilliant blue sky; the city of

Zacatecas is an unequaled universal fortune of esthetic perfection. It was

one of the principal silver mining centers during the colonial period. The

city’s architecture and layout reflect the wealth that it reached through the

resulting cultural blossoming. Zacatecas is an artistic jewel of the

European baroque style adapted to America’s topography and

idiosyncrasies. Known as the “Silver Aristocrat”, many of the buildings of

Zacatecas make up the exemplary heritage of New Spain’s artistic treasure

trove. Built at the peak of Northern Mexico’s baroque period with profuse

stone carvings, the Cathedral’s facade is one of the most beautiful, an

imposing ornamental tapestry of sculpture. World Heritage Site since

1993.

SAN JOSÉ EL ALTO FORT

This fort was built by Lieutenant Don José Sabido de Vargas who

concluded it in 1792 as a military redoubt.

It is smaller than the San Miguel Fort and possesses a moat and

central courtyard with a cistern and surrounding corridors, a culverin-

shaped entrance, a fixed bridge and a drawbridge.

It can also be observed: the corridor with its guardhouse and

commander’s quarters, metal-reinforced door, ammunition storage

area, warehouse, kitchen and troop quarters.

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Dating back to the 16th century, the Cathedral was built of limestone

and sahcab (white lime-based earth that abounds in the subsoil of the

Yucatan Peninsula that is used in masonry). The façade made of

carved stone, has two principal sections framed by two striated

pilasters on pedestals and a simple, curved crowning element with a

pommel on the axis. The gate’s arch is semicircular with an iron grate.

It is compound by a choir window with multilobular arches and a

sculpture in the middle; false, striated pilasters; niches with sculptures

in the space between the moldings; domed towers and a dome with

buttressed arches on the lateral façade. The church’s floor plan is

shaped like a Latin cross with a single nave divided by transverse

arches. Its dome is hemispherical and possesses eight windows that

rest on a base and scalloped design all decorated with flying

buttresses.

It was built in 1732 by Don Antonio de Figueroa y Silva and is located

between the Bastion of San Francisco and San Juan. It was designed

with an enormous vault which has two rooms for the guardhouse and

officer’s quarters. Above the dome there is a small barrack square

with eight embrasures having a space for raising and lowering the

portcullis for defending the gate with grenades and artillery fire.

LAND GATE

POSTAL PALACE

Mexico City’s Post Office, or Postal Palace its a creation of the Italian

architect Adamo Boari. It was built during the administration of

President Porfirio Díaz ca. 1900’s. The palace is of great attention to

the passerby, not only because of its monumentality, but also because

of its exquisite, original and eclectic style.

Inside the building the visitor receives a welcome impression of

magnificence. On the first level the floors are made of shining marble

and the Italian railings of bronze and iron. However, the beauty of its

main hall particularly bids the visitor to remain a moment more. The

double staircase that invite you to ascend only for the pleasure of

enjoyment, with its luxurious white marble stairs of ample tread and

comfortable riser, which allow us to enjoy the building’s atmosphere

from any height.

“Grandiose” is the word that comes to our mind when viewing the

splendid building occupied by the National Museum of Art (MUNAL).

Formerly the Palace of Communication. The style was inspired by the

Italian Renaissance, especially by the Florentine Strozzi Palaces

making it grandiose with ornamental elements.

Opposite to the museum is the square named after Manuel Tolsá who

was the sculptor for statue of King Charles IV on horseback which can

be appreciated at the center of the esplanade.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART

PALACE OF FINE ARTS

It is Considered Mexico’s finest opera house and principal cultural

venue. The Palace of Fine Arts was commissioned by the president

General Porfirio Díaz, for the centennial celebration of Mexican

Independence.

UNESCO declared the Palace as an artistic monument. It is located in

Mexico City’s Historic downtown.

VIEW OF THE CITY FROM PÍPILA MONUMENT

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City, this historic downtown will

surprise you with the magnificent architecture of its religious and civic

constructions built during the colonial period. Thus established during

the mining boom that Guanajuato experienced between the 16th and

18th centuries.

Walking through the streets and alleys that have inspired the creation

of myths and legends, touring the underground tunnels that connect

one side of the city to the other, you will enjoy the tranquility offered by

its squares and fountains, where you can acquire the best artisanal

products that embody the city’s innate creativity. Also, world-class

cultural performances take place here in Guanajuato, such as the

International Cervantes Festival, an event that brings together a great

number of artists which present visual and cultural performances in its

streets, squares, and in the renowned Juárez Theater, the most

beautiful and important of its venues.

MIGUEL HIDALGO STREET

It is an underground street that has become a symbol of the city. It is

three km. (1.9 mi.) long and is built over the Guanajuato River.

Its layout was adapted to the river’s natural route and the thick stone

arches, erected for different purposes, have been respected. Today

these arches are one of the street’s principal attractions.

Miguel Hidalgo Street begins at Hidalgo square and ends at a Allende

square. On the west is Hidalgo Square with its ample gardens and

cobblestones, and on the east is Allende Square, formerly San Pedro

Square.

JUÁREZ THEATER

This monumental theater was inaugurated in 1903. The neoclassical

style is observed in the façade which each of the eight columns

support a muse.

This style was enriched by the distinctive 19th century elements in the

façade, like the bronze lions and the period lampposts.

The vestibule is an incredible limestone bridge and has a bar with an

elegant screen made of French glass. The 1,100-seat performance

hall is dazzling. Upon entering, the spectacular Moorish decoration of

the entire hall steals our attention.

The Juárez Theater is a permanent performance venue, where its wide

front steps serve as a stage for a mime or other street theater troupe.

MORELIA CATHEDRAL

The time frame to built the Cathedral lasted 84 years. The monument

demonstrates unity and symmetry as a whole. The architectural style is

a reserved baroque. On its exterior, the relief on the facades are

outstanding: the central relief represents the transfiguration of Christ

and is complemented by the two side relief depicting the adoration of

the shepherds and kings.

The Cathedral possesses a beautiful sculpture of Christ known as “The

Lord of the Sacristy” made with the pre-Hispanic cane paste technique,

as well as rich artistic treasures such as monstrances, tabernacles,

sacred vessels and valuable colonial-era paintings.

Every year in May the cathedral building is the spectacular host fir the

International Organ Festival.

MUNICIPAL PALACE

The Municipal Palace was the Tobacco Factory during the colonial

period. Midway through the 19th century, the building was transformed

into the Municipal Palace. Its somber façade is crowned by the classic

Valladolid pine cone that other buildings of the city also display.

SANCTUARY OF GUADALUPE

At the beginning of the 18th century the cult to the Virgin of

Guadalupe was made official in Valladolid. Therefore, the Sanctuary

of the Virgin of Guadalupe was built outside the city. The project

began in 1708 and it was finally finished with the built of the tower in

1716.

SQUARE OF THE DANCE

The Square of the Dance is located next to the Temple of La Soledad.

It was built in 1959 by Eduardo Vasconcelos for aesthetic education

and public recreation. It is in this place where the traditional

Guelaguetza festival is celebrated by the Folkloric Club of Oaxaca one

day before the festival of the Hill of El Fortín. Other cultural events are

celebrated in this square and it has been the stage for performances of

artists, international orchestras and political events. The square was

built of stone, taking advantage of the terrain’s natural slope to make

the bleachers.

REGIONAL DANCERS

Oaxaca has a wide variety of regions with distinct regional

customs and dances that spread their happiness to the public

with their amazing, marvelous costumes.

TEMPLE OF SANTO

DOMINGO

Built in 1520 as the city’s most important temples, occupying an

area of 24 lots. The property was declared a historic

monument on March 30, 1933.

The building decoration is one of the most outstanding

examples of Mexican baroque. Including the exceptional

genealogical tree of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and 36

paintings illustrating Old Testament passages and scenes from

the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

PUEBLA’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Puebla’s Historic downtown was declared a UNESCO World Heritage

Site in 1987. It preserves 2,619 monuments as one of the world’s

largest Heritage Sites.

Part of Puebla’s appeal has to do with its layout which allows for

straight and perfectly aligned streets that follow the founding plans of

April 16, 1531. The plans sought to edify a city for Spaniards which

would follow the ideas of Renaissance urban planning in search of the

“ideal city”.

Native laborers, settled in specific places throughout the city, were used

for its construction. This is how a Spanish Puebla and an Indigenous

Puebla were born. The historic downton’s layout remains the same,

shaped by the Main Square, or Zócalo, surrounded by archways, the

Municipal Palace and the great cathedral, as well as more than 60

churches, convents and colleges that are examples of the great

viceregal Puebla.

PALAFOX LIBRARY

The Palafox Library is the first New World’s public library. It was

founded by Juan de Palafox y Mendoza on September 5, 1646

with the donation of 5,000 volumes from his private collection,

with only one condition: that it might be consulted by any citizen

of Puebla who could read. The collection includes 42,556

volumes and 5,345 manuscripts from every discipline. In June

2005 UNESCO granted the Library the title of “The World’s

Memory” since it is considered the only ancient library in the

Americas that is preserved in the original building with furniture

and bookshelves, and is the only known library in the world that

is ornamented with a baroque screen known as retablo.

CHAPEL OF THE ROSARY

The Temple of Santo Domingo’s Chapel of the Rosary was

dedicated on April 16, 1790. Since that moment on it has been

considered a veritable wonder. Indeed, it is a marvel of fantasy

and of technique realized by men without scholastic prejudices

and by artisans of great manual skill. Rich golden moldings

between which the tender flesh of naked cherubs float and

archangels’ iridescent wings billow, covering the vaults, the walls,

the scallops and the arches. Thus, rising to the cupola where they

twist around fabulous flowers that live beneath the resplendence

of a golden sun.

AQUEDUCT

Querétaro’s aqueduct -symbol of the city- iis a monumental

structure that was constructed thanks to Querétaran

benefactor Don Juan Antonio de Urrutia y Arana, Marquis De

la Villa del Villar del Águila. The aqueduct was built in order

to satisfy a request from the Capuchin nuns and to channel

water to the city along the way between 1726 and 1735.

Consisting of 74 arches that reach an average height of 23

m. (75 ft.) and is 1280 meters (4200 ft.) long is considered as

the largest aqueduct in Mexico.

ZENEA PARK

Today Zenea Park offers residents and visitors a placid place to

enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

In the center of the park, stands a tall cast iron statue which

represents Hebe, Greek goddess of youth. Pouring a stream of

water from her amphora over the beaks of a group of thirsty

swans.

FORMER CONVENT OF SAN AGUSTÍN

The Former Convent of San Agustín is considered one of the

jewels of Querétaro baroque. The cloister presents a wonderful

ornamental sequence of undulating cornices, caryatids, foliage,

columns, volutes and masks, making it one of Latin America’s

loveliest cloisters.

Today this property is home to the Querétaro Art Museum.

PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MICHAEL THE

ARCHANGEL

The original parish church, La Parroquia, was built in the late 17th

century following a reltively conventional, modest design. This

changed dramatically in 1880 when master mason Zeferino

Gutiérrez was commissioned to create a new façade. A self-

taught architect Zeferino Gutiérrez took the inspiration for his

design from drawings, engravings and postcards of European

cathedrals. The resulting Gothic Revival fantasy whose towers

can be seen from almost any point in the city has made La

Parroquia one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.

SHRINE OF THE APOSTLES

OF THE SANCTUARY OF JESUS OF

NAZARETH

AT ATOTONILCO

The Sanctuary of Jesus of Nazareth at Atotonilco was the result

of an artistic joint in which architecture, painting, sculpture, poetry

literature, rituals and devotion are united with extraordinary

intensity. However, because of its artistic attributes, it represents

more history than just an exceptional monument. Because of its

scope, it can be accordingly considered one of the most

exceptional and effective examples of Latin American baroque.

Presenting a clear coherence between its spatial and formal

conception, its dogmatic discourse, ritual and popular devotion.

HOLY ENTOMBMENT

Among the prominent religious festivities during Holy Week in San

Miguel de Allende, is the celebration of the Holy Entombment.

Thus taking place on Good Friday in the Temple of the Oratory of

San Felipe Neri.

The Holy Entombment is an impressive act of majesty and

solemnity where members of the San Miguel community

participate by carrying lanterns and heavy, sacred images

symbolizing Christ and the Holy Virgin of Solitude and angels. This

event has been celebrated for nearly 300 years. It is accompanied

by music and liturgy specially composed in the late 19th century for

this type of event.

CHARACTERISTIC ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of the 19th century corresponds to archways,

gabled roofs and balconies with iron or wood grating. Several

public buildings, roads, the central park with its gazebo and grand

homes were the result of economic growth and European

influence. The spontaneous and contrasting use of color was the

result of the intense, tropical luminosity and brilliant hues of nature

surrounding the city.

PAROCHIAL TEMPLE OF SAN

CRISTÓBAL

This is considered Tlacotalpan’s most important temple. It was

one of the final projects carried out during the colonial

administration. Its construction began in 1812 but was

suspended for more than 40 years until recommenced in 1849

through the initiative of Miguel Zacarías Cházaro. Of ample

dimensions and neoclassical in style, the monument was rebuilt

under the supervision of Luis Zapari who reinforced the walls

and closed the arch. It is compound with the principal altarpiece

carved in wood that holds an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe

at the center. Next to the altar there is a chapel that also

displays an impeccable wood altarpiece with the image of Jesus

Christ.

FESTIVAL OF THE CANDELARIA

The most important holiday of Tlacotalpan is to honor the Virgen

de la Candelaria on February 2nd.. The festivities start with the walk

along the river and the presentation of the Child in the Temple.

Continuing with the: jarocho, gathering of revelers, races, rides,

fairs, masquerades, "Pamplona", and cultural events, along with

fireworks.

AQUEDUCT

The construction of the El Cubo Aqueduct began during the final

years of the colonial period and concluded during the first years of

independent Mexico. Thanks to its archways, the uneven ground

was overcome and water was conveyed from the well at El Cubo to

Villareal Square (Independence Square).

The archways that constitute the aqueduct’s sculptural design were

made from stone masonry which was remodeled with six buttressed

arches with construction similar to that of the original arches.

CATHEDRAL OF ZACATECAS

The construction of this masterpiece of New Spanish baroque

architecture began in 1731 and was completed in 1752. Its

exuberant decoration contains the representation of the Holy

Trinity at the center which begins at the choir window with the

Holy Spirit, continuing with Christ the Son and finally with the

Eternal Father in the crowning element. This composition is

flanked by the twelve apostles.

EDEN MINE

This mine operated in the late 16th century producing: gold,

silver, iron, zinc and lead. Later on it, gradually stopped operating

due to urbanization and constant flooding.

On January 1, 1975 the Eden Mine opened its doors to the public

and since then it has been adapted to function as a tourist

attraction.