Submit your photos of World Heritage Sites until March 1, 2007 for your chance to win
New York, USA (January 30, 2007) – The Mexico Tourism Board is sponsoring a photo contest in conjunction with the Friends of World Heritage, offering a chance to win a free trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and visit incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chichen-Itza, Uxmal and Campeche City. Mexico has the most world heritage sites in all of the Americas and this is a great chance to showcase them via photo.
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.
Submissions will be accepted through March 1, 2007 and winners will be announced in mid-April. Only digital images of World Heritage Sites will be accepted and submissions can be made online or via mail. The first prize is an all-inclusive, eight-day trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for two, second place will win two free plane tickets to Merida and third place will receive a flight from the United States to Merida, Mexico. For more information on the contest please visit www.friendsofworldheritage.com.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Pre-Hispanic 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 AD. 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 centre. Its rulers are said to have presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labna and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture.
Pre-Hispanic 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 the 10th century AD and the other was a Toltec-Mayan city that emerged in 1000 AD. 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.
Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation is revising the original seven ancient wonders of the world, and Mexico’s Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21 finalists to become a new Seven World Wonder. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Chichen-Itza is considered to have been one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan peninsula, and today is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for Chichen-Itza as one of the new Seven World Wonders, visit www.new7wonders.com
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 fauna.
OTHER WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN MEXICO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently named the agave landscape and ancient industrial facilities in the town of Tequila a World Heritage Site. Ranked first in the Americas and eighth worldwide in this regard, Mexico now has 26 sites recognized for their historical, cultural and natural importance.
The region designated a World Heritage Site is located between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River in Jalisco State. This area not only grows the blue agave that produces the tequila, but also houses the large distilleries where the heart of the agave, called the pineapple, is fermented and distilled.
Mexico’s newest World Heritage Site comprises the urban settlements of Tequila, Arenal and Amatitan, including the region’s fields, distilleries, factories (both active and not), tabernas (distilleries that were illegal under Spanish rule), towns and Teuchitlan archaeological sites. The World Heritage Site includes numerous haciendas, some of which date back to the 18th century.
The architecture of both the factories and haciendas is characterized by brick and adobe construction, plastered walls with ochre lime-wash, stone arches, window dressings and formal, neo-classical or baroque ornamentation. Tequila’s World Heritage Site also comprises archaeological sites left by the Teuchitlan culture. This culture influenced the Tequila region from 200 to 900 AD. through the creation of terraces for agriculture, housing, temples, ceremonial mounds and ball courts.
The cultural influence of blue agave is felt both in Mexico and abroad, and is the reason why UNESCO has named the landscape and industrial facilities in Tequila a World Heritage Site. Used to produce tequila since the 16th century, the impact of blue agave in Mexico has such deep roots that today its culture considered part of the national identity.
Islands and protected areas, Gulf of Baja California (2005): Referred to as the “world’s aquarium” by famous sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, the 244 islands, islets and coastal areas comprising the area nestled between the shores of the northwestern Mexican states of Sinaloa, Sonora and the Baja California peninsula contains 39 per cent of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species. 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.
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 colourful 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 kilometres, 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 AD 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 centre.
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 harbour 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 AD. It served as a major trade centre, 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 colourfully 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 centre, 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 centre, 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.
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 BC, 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 world view. The drawings show human figures and many animal species.
Historic centre, Zacatecas (1993): Founded in 1546, this fabled silver city’s historic town centre 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 Edem (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 5000 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.
Pre-Hispanic city of El Tajin (1992): Located in the state of Veracruz, this jungle city was a large, powerful and important ceremonial centre. First construction likely began here 2000 years ago and the city reached its peak from 600 to 900 AD. Its niche pyramids are unique in the Americas. Its architecture is characterized by elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and friezes.
Historic centre, 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-coloured stone with intricate facades. The city combines a blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
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 centres 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 centre, 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 centre of Oaxaca and archaeological site of Monte Alban (1987): Once the centre 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.
Pre-Hispanic 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 metropolises in pre-Hispanic 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 AD, reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, and subsequently declining until it was eventually abandoned.
Historic centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987): Mexico City, the exact site upon which the great Aztec civilization flourished, is a remarkable showcase of 3000 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 pre-Hispanic times. Structures built during the colonial era have been well preserved.
Pre-Hispanic 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 AD, 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.
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