Cuautla, Morelos
The city of Cuautla is located toward the southeast of Cuernavaca in the lowlands of the State of Morelos in which sugarcane is one of the principal crops, and is thus in a region where many Haciendas were established. In 1829 the city was decreed "The Heroic City of Morelos" by the Congress of the State of Mexico; its name means "where eagles abound".
Monuments and Attractions
Agua Hedionda Mineral Hot Springs - located at Av. Progreso s/n, Cuautla, Morelos. Tel (735) 352-0044. Rejuvenating mineral springs with a temperature of some 27º C, featuring 2 large pools fed by a gushing sulpher spring; several small and private pools, changing rooms, lodging, restaurants, children's rides, and sports installations are also available. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Other nearby bathing spas and mineral springs include:
- Agua Linda: 2 pools, wading pool, changing room, sports fields
- El Almeal: Two sweet-water springs with wading pool, sports facilities, changing rooms, restaurant.
- Las Tazas: 1 pool, wading pool, cold sweet water spring
- Los Limones: 3 large pools, wading pool, changing rooms, sports fields, restaurant, parking
Aqueduct - Constructed to move water to power the waterwheel of the Buenavista Sugar Mill & Hacienda, southwest of Cuautla.
Casa de Morelos Museum - 17th C. colonial building housing artifacts of the War of Independence and one of its heroes, Jose Ma. Morelos, as well as relics of the precolonial era. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Church and Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman - A 16th C. structure in the center of town built by the Dominican monks around 1580 AD. Over the centuries it has served many: as fort and refuge by General Leonardo Bravo during the 1812 Siege of Cuautla; it was requisitioned as quarters for the Zapatista army, and recently the Preparatory School of the Autonomous University of Morelos occupied it for its House of Culture before it was returned to the Church.
Church and Ex-Convent of San Diego - Convent originally built by the Dominicans in the 16th C. but later came under the aegis of the Franciscans who in 1640 erected a temple in honor of Saint Joseph and annexed the small convent. The structures were used as a defensive stronghold during the War of Independence, and during the Hacienda era, the monastery was turned into a hotel while the church was converted into warehouse space. Later, the structures were abandoned until being converted into a museum and a series of other cultural establishments.
Municipal Palace and Murals - The murals in the impressive Municipal Palace were painted in 1969 and depict the events of the 1812 Siege of Cuautla as well as the struggle of the Mexican people against the Spanish repression and National heroes including Jose Ma. Morelos, Galeana, Matamoros and the Insurgent Army
Plazuela de la Revolucion del Sur - Plaza which is the resting place of the remains of Emiliano Zapata, the "Caudillo del Sur"
Railroad Station - Inaugurated in 1881, the station now houses narrow gauge Steam Engine No. 279, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works out of Philadelphia and originally put into service in 1904. The train made it´s last run in October of 1973, the day before the new wide gauge tracks were put into function. The engine and cars were later donated to the Municipality, who now runs them on a still-functioning, short, narrow gauge track that runs between Cuautla and the town of Yecapixtla, reknown for its cecina (dried & salt cured meat).
"Huitzilac, Morelos"
Oil on Canvas by Miguel Angel Guerrero Garro
Go to the Zihrena Gallery to see more of Miguel Angel's works
