Chapultepec
Chapultepec is the largest urban park in America. It covers 800 hectares and is located in the southeastern side of Mexico City. Chapultepec translates as "hill of grasshoppers". The park dates back about eight centuries. It is the most famous and visited cultural and historical center of the city.
Chapultepec Park has museums, playgrounds, and outdoor activities for adults. The buildings here are imbued with the spirit of the Aztecs, Mayans, as well as other ancient populations.
Here, in the middle of a beautiful square, you can see a wonderful sculpture of the goddess Diana, after whom the surrounding area is named.
The history of Chapultepec Park dates back to 1159, when the Toltecs settled in this area. The hill on which the park is located is of volcanic origin. From the very top of the hill, the local landscapes could be seen, including a wonderful lake with its surrounding attractions.
In 1428, King Texcoco issued a decree that called for the construction of a palace at the foot of the hill. He also ordered the local forest to be transformed, improved and planted with cypresses. At this time, animals that have not been found here before are also brought to the park.
Subsequent rulers also changed and supplemented something here. For example, another emperor Montezuma built an aqueduct, which consisted of 2 waterfalls and was three kilometers long.
The Chapultepec Palace, during the Mexican-American War in 1847, housed a military school that went down in history. The thing is that the cadets of this school died while defending the palace from enemy raids. This event is reminiscent of the monument erected here.
When power passed to Maximilian, he immediately appreciated the beauty of the building and the entire area. Chapultepec, filled with new life, becomes the residence of the ruler. At this time, there is a complete reconstruction and renovation of the palace, as well as the park area. Paths are laid out here, an underground road is being built, and terraces are being built.
Porfirio Diaz rebuilt the 3rd floor of the palace, where he equipped a wonderful reception hall, as well as an art gallery.
A striking marble staircase connected the two floors. The area near the castle was decorated with decorative lawns with flowers and wonderful trees. By the middle of the 19th century, the territory of Chapultepec Park had increased in size and was improved. At this time, two lakes appear here, among one of them is a wonderful fountain. Roads and paths are being built here.
In 1938, by order of General Lazari Cardenas, the entire palace passed to the people and was transformed into a museum, which was opened in 1944.
The excellent Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is the most favorite vacation spot of the city's residents. There are 7 museums on its territory, many sculpture memorabilia, as well as a wonderful zoo. All this and more attracts millions of tourists to Chapultepec Park every year.
