Chapultepec Forest, Mexico City, Mexico. Chapultepec Forest, Mexico City, Mexico Chapultepec Park - filming location for TV shows and folk festivals
Alameda Central Park is a picturesque city park with decorative statues, fountains and paved paths. It is located in the historical part of Mexico City.
Previously, on the site of the park there was El Quemadero Square, where heretics were burned. Bonfires burned here until the 18th century, after which a park was set up on the square for the nobility.
The park was founded back in 592 on the site of an ancient Aztec market. The name of the park "alamo" is translated from Spanish as "poplars". It is these trees that grow in large numbers in the park.
The park contains five fountains of French design that depict scenes from Greco-Roman mythology. There is also a monument to Benito Juarez, one of the favorite presidents of Mexico.
Sunken Park Hundido
Hundido Park is a quiet corner in the center of a huge city. The park is widely known in Mexico City under the name "Sunken Park". Interesting topography and numerous sights attract tourists and citizens here.
The history of the park goes back to the reign of Porfiry, when the first trees were planted on this site. In 1930, the area of the park was landscaped in classical style and expanded.
In 1972, some pre-Hispanic reproductions were installed in the park. Later, the Flower Clock created by the prestigious watch company appeared here, a massive staircase surrounded by fountains and small waterfalls.
In one part of the park there is an audiorama, where you can listen to classical music and poetry reading in the bosom of lush vegetation.
Cumbres Del Ajusco National Park
The Cumbres del Ajusco National Park is one of the most famous and beautiful parks in Mexico City.
The park is located in a mountainous area, the highest point is at an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level and is visible from anywhere in the city.
The park is famous for its pine and oak forests and alpine meadows, as well as many flowers. All this splendor grows thanks to heavy rainfall. Each altitude has its own flora and fauna.
The rivers Balsas and Lerma originate here. There are also many underground rivers, which are sources fresh water. The mountains are mostly of volcanic origin.
Xochimilco Ecological Park
Xochimilco Ecological Park belongs to places world heritage UNESCO.
The park was founded in 1991, located 3 kilometers from the city of Xochimilco and covers an area of 160 hectares. Of these, an area of 2,000 square kilometers is strictly protected, as there is a botanical garden and artificial lakes. Many of the park's amphibians are endangered. The lakes have become home to many species of birds.
In addition, you can always have a great time in the park - take a walk along the well-groomed paths, rent a bike or a boat, play volleyball, football or basketball on the equipped playgrounds.
Biopark Mexico City
Biopark Mexico City is a natural center where everyone can watch wild animals. different types in an environment that mimics their natural habitat.
The park was created in 1999 and spreads over an area of over three hundred hectares, has a number of interactive spaces, playgrounds, lakes, bridges, arranges bird shows and in general will be very interesting for families with children.
Initially, only four species of wild animals could be seen in the park; over the following years, the collection was significantly expanded, as was the infrastructure of the park and the list of services provided. Now the park is home to over 400 herbivores and 45 species of exotic wildlife.
Six Flags Park
Six Flags is an amusement park in Mexico City, located on the southern outskirts of the capital. It is one of the most popular theme parks in Mexico and the largest in Latin America. Its territory is 135 hectares.
Initially, the park was called "Reino Aventura". With this name, it was founded in 1982. In 1999, the park was bought for 60 million dollars, restored and installed many new attractions, such as Batman, Racing, Medusa wooden roller coaster and so on. Extreme rides are Hurricane, several roller coasters, and Terminator X. In total, the park has 44 attractions, including 7 roller coasters.
In addition to attractions, the park has a dolphinarium and a zoo. The park is sure to be a great place for a family vacation.
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec is the name of a hill and a park of the same name with an area of 800 hectares, which are located in the center of Mexico City. Chapultepec is the largest urban park in America. The word "chapultepec" from the Nahuatl language is translated as "on the hill of grasshoppers."
In ancient times, this territory was the residence of the emperor, connected to Tenochtitlan with the help of an aqueduct and an embankment. In Spanish times, the park was a hunting reserve and military Academy. Here in 1847 there was a war between Mexican and American troops.
Now the park is a landmark of Mexico City, main places which are the zoo of the same name, the anthropological museum, the rock with the image of Montezuma the First, the palace of Maximilian.
Desierto de los Leones National Park
Desierto de los Leones National Park, declared a nature reserve in 1876, is considered the oldest biosphere protection site in Mexico. It received the status of a national park in 1971.
The park is located at an altitude of about 3000 meters above sea level and occupies 15 percent of the entire Valley of Mexico.
Desierto de los Leones is home to many animals such as raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, white-tailed deer, bobcats, wild cats, coyotes, gray foxes, skunks, the bats, long-tailed shrews, salamanders, rattlesnakes and lizards.
The park also has a diverse flora - here you can see plants of sage, fescue, lupine, ragwort and centuries-old oaks.
Cerro de la Estrella National Park
The Cerro de la Estrella National Park is a park created to provide cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as to protect the mountain of the same name, which is considered the highest point in the city of Iztapalapa - its height reaches 2.450 meters.
The park was created by Mexican President Lazaro Cardenas in 1938. Initially, its area reached 1,100 hectares, but with the rapid growth of the city, the area of \u200b\u200bthe park was less than 200 hectares.
The national park is famous not only for its beautiful nature, but also for the ancient ruins of temples, petroglyphs associated with the Teotihuacan civilization.
The pair is inhabited mainly by rodents, including squirrels. Eucalyptus, pine, and cedar trees grow here among the plants. For tourists, the park has picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, a sports complex and viewing platforms.
Amusement Park Hacienda Panoaya
Hacienda Panoaya Amusement Park is the only amusement park where you can see a large number of animals. Also here it is allowed to feed from the hands of deer, llamas, camels, goats and many other inhabitants of the park.
The territory of the park covers about 5,000 square meters. The park offers a beautiful panorama of the active volcanoes. Also in the park there is an excellent restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes at an affordable price.
To get around the entire park and have time to get acquainted with all its sights, you need to come to the park early in the morning, as it closes at 18:30.
For history buffs, there are two museums in the park. However, the labyrinth is the most popular, and it is not easy to get out of it. If someone decides to stay here for a longer period, you can stay in a cozy hotel nearby.
Animal Kingdom Park
Animal Kingdom Park is an animal world theme park. It opened its doors on December 17, 2005. The park is located in the NIEI zone in Teotikuan. On October 11, 2008, new safari areas and an aviary for wild cats were opened in the park. Also, the park is one of the best amusement parks in Latin America. When visiting, a feeling of complete peace and dissolution in the natural is created.
Scenes were often filmed in this park. documentaries about animals, as well as episodes for children's science and educational programs. During the tour, you are allowed to approach some animals and even feed them. Various exhibitions of exotic animals are organized here at different times of the year. Animals are kept in comfortable conditions that resemble their natural habitat as much as possible. The most extreme tourists are offered a trip on a safari.
Atlantis Marine Amusement Park
Atlantis Marine Park is known in Mexico City as an amusement park for children and adults.
The park is interesting because there are many aquariums with dolphins and fur seals on its territory. Colorful shows are constantly held in the park with the participation of dolphins, sea lions, seals and brightly colored birds.
Developed in the park and sightseeing routes. Guides willingly talk about the methods of training birds and marine animals, the features of caring for them.
There are also eateries and souvenir shops in the park.
San Desierto del Carmen National Park
The National Park of Saint Desierto del Carmen is one of the most mysterious and beautiful parks. It was declared a national park on October 10, 1942. On its territory is the monastery of the "Holy Desert", built in the XVIII century by order of the Carmelites. The park is also called the "Desert", as it is a great place for solitude.
After living for almost two centuries in the "Holy Desert", the Carmelites got tired and decided to move closer to civilization. It was in 1780 that it was decided to move, leaving a place of complete seclusion.
The park is surrounded by a large wall, which served to prevent the laity from entering this holy place. On the territory of the monastery there is a carefully manicured garden with fruit trees, small birds, a fountain and a beautiful carpet of flowers, symbolizing life.
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is the largest urban park in Latin America with over 680,000 square meters. locals call it "Bosc de Chapultepec", which means "Forest of Chapultepec".
About 250,000 residents and visitors of Mexico City visit the park every day.
The main attractions of the area are concentrated in the Chapultepec Park, for example, Chapultepec Castle, the zoo, as well as the Rufino Tomayo Museum, the Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Modern Art. All of them are interconnected by various paved paths, many of which have names - such as, for example, the Alley of Poets, where busts of famous literary figures are located.
Amusement park Apipilpark
Apipilpark is an amusement park that offers visitors both extreme types of recreation and a relaxing pastime among amazing landscapes. This great family holiday destination is located in Saint Thomas, Mexico. The park is in a very picturesque place. Tourists can choose for themselves both extreme entertainment and a more relaxing holiday surrounded by amazing Mexican nature. The park has comfortable rooms and camping.
Connoisseurs active entertainment find something to do in Apipilpark. For lovers of rock climbing in the park there is a wall, the height of which is 12 meters. A special, simpler wall is intended for children. You can also practice such a noble sport as archery. For those who prefer a more extreme holiday, quad bike rides are suitable. With the help of experienced instructors, you can both learn how to ride an ATV and hone your existing skills.
Chapultepec Castle located in the center of the park of the same name on the top of the Chapultepec hill at an altitude of 2325 meters above sea level. Its name is translated from the Nahuatl language as "grasshopper hill".
This hill was considered sacred by the Aztecs, which did not prevent the Spaniards from building a palace on it, which is now the only royal castle in all of North America.
History of Chapultepec Castle starts in 1775 when state inspector Bernardo de Gálvez ordered to build a mansion for himself on a hill almost outside the city. Engineer and lieutenant colonel of the Spanish army Francisco Bambitelli (Francisco Bambitelli) developed a drawing and began construction on August 16 of the same year. After the departure of the architect to Havana, Captain Manuel Agustín Mascaró took over his duties and under him the work progressed at an accelerated pace. Soon, however, he was accused of building a fortress to organize an uprising against the Spanish crown, and removed from business, although this story did not have time to develop, because on November 8, 1786 he died suddenly.
After the death of the chief engineer, the Spanish government, at the expense of which the castle was built, decided sell it unfinished for one fifth of the money invested. However, there were no buyers, and it was decided to transfer the archive of the kingdom of New Spain here. The German scientist and traveler Alexander von Humboldt came to Mexico in 1803 and found the sale of the windows of the castle. Only in 1806 the building was bought by the municipal authorities of Mexico City.
During the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), Chapultupec Castle was abandoned. Only in 1833 did they find a new use for it, completing the construction of the observation tower "High Knight" (Caballero Alto) and turning it into military academy. On September 13, 1847, during the Mexican-American War for the castle, a fierce battle took place, which was later named after him.
Chapultupec Castle acquired its current appearance during the Second Mexican Empire (1863 - 1867), when Emperor Maximilian I of Habsburg and his wife Empress Charlotte chose this palace to house their court. A number of eminent European architects and gardeners were hired to make the building and its surroundings more livable. In addition, a beautiful boulevard was built, copied from the Champs Elysees in Paris, which connected the imperial residence with the city center.
After the fall of the Second Mexican Empire, the castle was empty until 1876, when an astronomical, meteorological and magnetic observatory was opened here. She worked for five years and moved to the former residence of the archbishop in Takubaya. In 1882 Chapultepec Castle was partially rebuilt and in presidential residence where official guests and foreign delegations were received.
Finally, on February 3, 1939, President Lazaro Cardenas issued a decree according to which the castle-palace was transferred National Museum of History(Museo Nacional de Historia). The presidential residence was moved to Los Pinos (also on Chapultepec hill) and the museum opened on September 27, 1944.
Interestingly, in 1996, many scenes of the film "Romeo and Juliet" with Leonardo li Caprio and Claire Danes were filmed in Chapultepec Castle;
Useful information about Chapultupec Castle in Mexico City, Mexico
Location:
In the very center of Mexico City, within the boundaries of the botanical garden, at the intersection of Avenida Constituyentes and Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
How to get there:
Chapultepec Metro Station (Metro Chapultepec) is located right in front of the entrance to the park
Address:
Avenida Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Ciudad de México, DF, Mexico
11100, Mexico, Mexico City, Miguel Hidalgo District, Chapultupec Street
Name in Spanish:
Castillo de Chapultepec
Title in English:
Chapultepec Castle
Working hours:
Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00
Telephone:
(+52 55) 5061 9217 (where 52 - telephone code Mexico, and 55 is the telephone code of Mexico City)
Website:
Email:
Coordinates:
19.42054,-99.181792 (paste these coordinates into the Google maps search bar and you will see the real position of the castle)
GPS: +19°25’13.94″, -99°10’54.45″
History of Chapultepec
According to archaeologists, the presence of man in the park has been noted since the time of the Toltecs, an Indian people who inhabited Central America in the 8th century. It is they who own the name "Chapultepec", which in translation from the Nahuatl language means "on the hill of grasshoppers." The Aztecs, who later captured these lands, turned them into a sacred place, where they buried the remains of their leaders. The hill was also of strategic importance, since its springs supplied the city with fresh water.
Gradually, the territory of the park began to move away to the ruling and religious elite. In the 20s of the XV century, under Nezahualcoyotl, the first palace was erected here. Later, Montezuma I ordered to dig reservoirs-pools, which served as a place for breeding exotic fish and storing water supplies, as well as to plant trees and plants from various parts of the Aztec empire around. In 1465, the ruler decided to immortalize himself by ordering his portrait carved into the rock at the foot of the hill. By order of the emperor, a three-kilometer aqueduct was also built, through which water flowed to the capital.
In 1521, during the conquest of the Aztec state on the hill of Chapultepec, a battle took place between the army of Hernan Cortes and the Indians led by Cuautemoc. It ended with the defeat of the Aztecs and the destruction of the capital of their state. It was announced that the city passes into the possession of the Spanish king. Soon, Cortez appropriated the park for himself, giving its northern part to Captain Julian Jaramillo. However, in 1530, by decree of Charles V, Chapultepec Park was transferred to the city and opened to everyone. Initially, this territory was located outside Tenochtitlan (as Mexico City was called in Aztec times), connecting with it through an embankment and an aqueduct. After the lake was drained by the Spaniards, the park became part of the city.
The colonial period marked the construction of the Chapultepec Palace, which played the role of the official residence of the heads of state. Here, in 1847, during the Mexican War, the famous Battle of Chapultepec took place, as a result of which american army won and captured the city. Thomas Mine Reid, the future author of adventure novels, took part in this battle as a military journalist, many of which are somehow connected with the life of the Indians.
Currently, Chapultepec Park is a favorite place for citizens and tourists from all over the world. Here is the official residence of the President of Mexico, transferred in 1934 from Chapultepec Palace to Los Pinos.
General layout of the 3 sections of Chapultepec, Pantheon civic de Dolores, and Takubaya Polanco Miguel Hidalgo delegation. In Spanish.Park structure
Chapultepec did not always occupy such a vast area. It grew to its present size already in the 20th century, and was divided into three parts.
The first is the historical part of the park, the oldest and most visited. It is fenced around the perimeter with a wrought-iron fence, and tourists are greeted at the entrance by the same gate. On the hill that gave its name to the entire park, a magnificent palace rises, where the exposition of the National Museum of History is currently located. In addition, there are four more museums and the most famous sights of Chapultepec: monuments, fountains, culture places and, of course, the famous zoo.
The second part of the park, with an area of 160 hectares, was created in 1964 at the expense of land that was previously used for farms. Here, visitors can wander through the exhibition halls of three museums, sit by the fountain, have fun in the amusement park, and also have a bite to eat in one of the restaurants or cafes on the banks of Lago Mayor.
In 1974, the third part of Chapultepec was opened - a reserve for various kinds flora and fauna. This is the least known part of the park, which is a corner of wild nature and pristine silence. Here, visitors can go archery or enjoy horseback riding.
Attractions Chapultepec
Acquaintance with memorable places The park starts from the square in front of the entrance. There is a monument to the Motherland - Altar a la Patria, behind which rises six snow-white columns, decorated in the upper part with bronze sculptures of eagles. This is the famous Monument to the Heroic Children, erected in honor of the six cadets of the military academy who, during the battle of Chapultepec, refused to retreat and died defending the palace. One of the cadets, in an attempt to prevent the capture of the flag by the enemy, wrapped it around himself and jumped off the wall of the watchtower.
Going around the monument on the left, you will see the People's Kiosk (Kiosko del Pueblo), built a little over a hundred years ago. On weekends, musicians play here, gathering art lovers around them. Going a little further, you can take a picture at the Fountain of Lovers. True, no matter what angle you choose, a kissing couple will definitely get into the frame.
Following the path, the tourist gets straight to the Chapultepec hill. At its foot is another monument to the fallen cadets, whose names are engraved on the stone. On the opposite side, you can see a source that has existed since the time of the Aztecs. You will not be able to get water here, since the place is fenced with a net, but you can take a picture against its background. Not far from the source is the same portrait of Montezuma, carved into the rock.
Chapultepec Castle
Climbing the hill on foot or on a small pleasure train, you can admire the famous palace up close. Its construction began in 1785 by order of Bernardo de Gálvez, Viceroy of New Spain, who wished to build this stately home for himself. In the first half of the 19th century, a military academy was located in the castle building. Since 1864, Chapultepec Palace has become the country residence of Emperor Maximilian, by whose order the building was redesigned, and a botanical garden was laid out on the roof. After the execution of the ruler, the premises of the castle were reorganized into an observatory. Now the National historical Museum.
Chapultepec Palace is open on all days except Mondays. You will have to pay about 3 USD for entrance, children under 13 years old are admitted free of charge.
Fountains and monuments
Going around the hill on the left, in the archaeological zone of Chapultepec Park, you will find stone water tanks destroyed by time and the beginning of the aqueduct. Walking further along the path, you can get to a small square in front of the memorial, which was erected in honor of the Mexican pilots of the 201st squadron, who participated in World War II on the side of the Allied forces. The withered trunk of the Mexican taxodium rises above the square - one of the majestic trees planted under Nezahualcoyotl. The cadets of the military academy jokingly called this tree "sergeant" - El Sargento. The name has come down to us since the 19th century.
Opposite the memorial is located Fuente de la Templansa - a beautiful fountain, near which the artists have chosen a place in the shade of majestic trees. If you are tired of walking, stop here for a minute or two to enjoy the coolness emanating from the fountain and admire the paintings. You can order your portrait for a symbolic price: it is customary to bargain here.
After resting and continuing the path around the hill, the tourist will find an obelisk made of cedar on a hillock. This is a gift from the Canadian people in honor of the 150th anniversary of Mexico's independence. Animals revered by the Indians are carved on it: a beaver, a whale, an eagle and a falcon.
Walking along Calzada Maatma Gandhi - the longest street of Chapultepec Park, encircling it in a circle - will lead you to a square paved with stone tiles, the center of which is decorated with the Fountain of Frogs (Fuente de las Ranas). Nearby is the Nezahualcoitl Fountain, hidden in the greenery of the trees. It can rightly be called monumental because of its size: a stone statue of the Aztec ruler majestically rises above two levels. On the "walls" one can see the ancient emblems of the three allied city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan.
zoological garden
The Chapultepec Zoo is one of the most beloved attractions by citizens and tourists. It was founded in 1923 by the biologist Alfonso Herrera, who wanted to recreate the famous zoo of Montezuma II. There are about 2,000 animals belonging to more than 200 species here. The collection includes mammals, birds and reptiles. There is also a large aquarium. It is worth noting that there are no cells to which we are so accustomed. Animals are separated from visitors by durable glass, which allows you to better see them, as well as make a wonderful photo session. You can admire the birds in the aviary, where tourists are allowed in small groups of up to 9 people. The zoo is known for its conservation program for endangered animals such as giant pandas, California condors and Mexican wolves.
The gates of the zoo in Chapultepec are open from 09:00 to 16:30, Monday is a day off. The best thing is that you don't have to pay to get in!
Museums
You can describe the sights of the historical part of Chapultepec Park for a long time. Among them are the National Museum of Anthropology, a visit to which will take more than one hour, Caracol, the Museum of Modern Art. Their expositions are open on all days except Mondays. In some museums, photo and video shooting is allowed for an additional fee. The average ticket price is 3 USD.
Amusement park
Those who want to have fun always go to La Feria de Chapultepec, an amusement park located in the second section. lovers thrill can tickle your nerves on one of the roller coasters. The highest of them covers with its "loops" the dolphinarium, in which performances are arranged for visitors. The park can accommodate up to 15 thousand tourists, and about two million people visit it every year.
In the second part of the park (as well as on the territory of the first) there are two lakes. On the island in the center of Lago Mayor you can see the largest fountain in Latin America. It also organizes the rental of boats and catamarans. The price of an hour boat trip is 3 USD, while a trip on a catamaran or kayak costs 2.5 USD and 2 USD per hour, respectively.
It is recommended to combine fun with a visit to the museums: Papalote, the Technology Museum with a planetarium and the Museum of Natural History. If walking through the sections of Chapultepec proves tedious, take advantage of the pleasure train that runs along the shady paths of the park. Bicycle rentals are available for bike lovers.
Where to eat in Chapultepec
On the vast territory of Chapultepec, you can find many cafes and restaurants that can please any gourmet. Some of them are located around the lakes, so here you will not only have lunch, but also admire the surrounding landscape. The most famous and favorite places for tourists are the Mexican restaurant El Bosque (about 20 USD per person), the Lago de Chapultepec restaurant (about 25 USD), the Bistro Chapultepec cafe (about 10-15 USD). Be sure to come here for a cup of morning coffee or a full meal.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Chapultepec. The most comfortable of them is a taxi (of course, if you don't get stuck in a traffic jam). Any taxi driver for 5-10 USD will take you directly to the park.
You can also get to Chapultepec by metro: take the pink line number 1 to the Chapultepec station to enter from the side of the palace; take the orange line number 7 to the Constituyentes station to visit the Children's Museum, or to the Auditorio station if you decide to start exploring Chapultepec from the zoo or the Museum of Anthropology. A ride on the subway will cost 0.2 USD.
In the heart of the Mexican capital, very close to the central Zocalo square, on a picturesque cozy hill, rises a beautiful architectural structure, the oldest and only one of its kind, the Chapultepec castle and park. Actually, the castle received such an unusual name from the hill on which it is located. This name was given to the hill back in the 13th century, during the time of the Aztecs, who considered it sacred. In Nahuatl, Chapultepec means "hill of grasshoppers" or "mountain of crickets", whichever you prefer.
The history of the development of Chapultepec
The development of the hill and the territories adjacent to it began in the middle of the 12th century, by the Toltec tribes who left their sacred city of Tula and settled in these parts. But towards the end of the 13th century, several Aztec families appeared on the "grasshopper hill" and occupied the best piece of land, with fertile soils and sources of fresh water. Naturally, the arrival of uninvited guests, the Toltecs, was absolutely not happy and alerted. Moreover, they considered a small group of nomads dangerous to themselves and, without waiting for trouble, attacked them first and expelled them from their territory. The Aztecs had to flee, and for about two decades they wandered around the surrounding lands, until in 1325, very close to Chapultepec, on the site of modern Mexico City, the city of Tenochtitlan began to be built - ancient capital Aztec state.
Chapultepec - Aztec botanical garden
Over the next two centuries, Chapultepec actively developed, each Aztec emperor contributed to its transformation, and the forest spread around, hundreds of hectares, was fenced and populated with exotic species of animals, turning it into a beautiful park. By order of the fifth emperor Montezuma, from the sources of Chapultepec to the gates of Tenochtitlan, an aqueduct was built, which, later, was destroyed by order of Cortes, by the conquistadors. In 1530, at the behest of the Spanish king Charles V, Chapultepec became part of Mexico City, as it supplied drinking water to the entire capital.
Construction of Chapultepec Castle
In 1775, the government inspector and representative of the king, José Bernardo de Gálvez, carried out his father's idea. He launched the construction of a castle at the very top of the “grasshopper hill”, which he planned, in the future, to use as a country house. Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Bambitelli became the architect of the castle, and Captain Manuel Mascaro continued the construction, but he was accused of conspiracy against the Spanish crown and removed from work, expelled from the country. Funding for the construction, coming from the Spanish government, was suspended. The authorities decided to auction the unfinished castle, but no one was willing to buy it, so the building was given to the archives of the kingdom of new Spain. And only at the beginning of the 19th century, the owners appeared at the palace, it was bought by the municipality of Mexico City, and in 1833, an observation tower was attached to the building, and became a military academy.
The story of the children of the heroes of Chapultepec
The tragic page in the history of Chapultepec Castle was written in 1847, during the North American intervention. In the early morning of September 12, American troops launched an artillery assault on Mexico City's important defensive point, Chapultepec Castle, which lasted two days. A little more than a thousand people took part in its defense, including 200 cadets, students of the academy, aged 13 to 19 years.
The enemy's furious attack on Chapultepec continued from all sides, and the general of the Mexican army, Nicholas Bravo, ordered the defenders of the castle to retreat. But the six cadets of the academy ignored the general's order and continued the defensive battle for the palace, with the enemy far superior in strength. All of them, one by one, died the death of the brave. When the American soldiers came very close, the last of the cadets, surviving, named Juan Escutia, wrapped the flag of Mexico around his body and threw himself from the high wall of the castle. The brave defenders of Chapultepec forever entered the history of their country, like children - heroes, in memory of their feat, a monument was erected in the park. September 13 is celebrated as the day of memory of the cadets - heroes.
Chapultepec - residence of emperors and presidents of Mexico
Since 1863, the castle began new life, first he served as a residence for Emperor Maximilian and his wife Charlotte, then for the President of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz. During the years of their reign, the castle and the park around it were actively rebuilt and expanded. The palace was equipped with an elevator, terraces, galleries and stairs made of white marble were added, paths were laid in the park, flower beds were laid out and several artificial lakes were dug. An astronomical observatory was set up in the former watchtower, and a garden of stunning beauty was laid out on the roof. The castle acquired a finished look in the neoclassical style and is still considered the most luxurious and beautiful palace in North America.
New Life of Chapultepec - Historical Museum
In 1944, by decree of President Lazaro Cardenas, Chapultepec Castle was turned into a historical museum. Its exposition impresses with its luxury and diversity. On the first and second floors of the castle, royal and presidential interiors with antique furniture, magnificent stained-glass windows and carved ceilings have been preserved. The apartments are so chic that even filmmakers could not ignore them, and in 1996 the movie Romeo and Juliet was filmed in Chapultepec Castle, starring Leo DiCaprio.
All the numerous halls of the castle tell about important events in the history of Mexico, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Here is an extensive collection of paintings, weapons, costumes and knightly armor. In general, the museum's exposition includes about 55 thousand exhibits. And what views from the terrace of the park, the city and the surrounding area!
Chapultepec Park - a filming location for TV shows and festivities
The park, which stretches around the castle for 700 hectares, is a favorite vacation spot for residents of the city and visiting tourists. On its vast green territory there are 7 different museums, a zoo that contains more than two thousand specimens, historical and architectural monuments, an amphitheater and a lake with a boat station. interesting fact is that Chapultepec Park was the location for the shooting of the popular TV series Just Maria in the 90s. And the scenes where Juan Carlos and Alberto Rivera, after boating, meet Maria and Rita, were filmed just near this lake.
It will not be difficult for any person to find something to their liking in the park, on its shady alleys and sunny lawns, you can have great fun and have a good time with the whole family.
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