La Antigua Cortez's House Overtaken by Roots

Cempoala and La Antigua: Following Cortes’ Footprints

In Mexico, Places of Worship & Ruins by Erik @ DIY Travel HQ1 Comment

Cempoala and La Antigua are little-known but hugely important historical cities in Mexico – find out how they are linked with the Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes.

Contents

Cempoala and La Antigua: History

Cempoala was the 1st major Mesoamerican city that Hernan Cortes discovered during his explorations – and he lived in Antigua, regarded as the 1st Spanish city in Mexico.

With this kind of history, we here at DIY Travel HQ just had to visit while we were checking out the things to do in Veracruz.

At the time, Cempoala was subjugated under Aztec rule.

Emperor Moctezuma heavily taxed Cempoala, and demanded hundreds of villagers to be sacrificed or enslaved.

The Totonac’s resentment towards the Aztecs made allying with the Spaniards mutually beneficial, with their common enemy’s defeat in 1521.

Cempoala El Templo Circular and Pyramid with Trees

Well armed friends can turn even the smallest civilization into a powerful one.

Cempoala Archeological Site

Cempoala (50 pesos / $2.70) is known as ‘Place of 20 Waters’.

Archeologists are unsure if the name derives from numerous irrigation canals, or from regional trade that occurred every 20 days. Either way, the surrounding vicinity is lush with vegetation.

The core of Cempoala was walled for protection from invaders.

This and all the buildings are constructed out of river rock.

They are held together with mortar, and covered with lime mortar for a smooth finish.

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Most noteworthy is the stepped pillar architecture found throughout Cempoala.

They border the tops of pyramids, and the three round temples as well.

Cempoala El Templo Circular Stepped Pillar Structure

Good students learning Cempoala’s history

El Templo Circular is dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the wind god.

You can test his strength by standing in the middle of the ring and whispering to a companion on the adjacent square.

It is possible to hear their commands at normal voice level despite a moderate gap between.

Cempoala El Templo Circular

Can you hear me now?

La Antigua

Savvy explorer and conqueror Hernan Cortes is responsible for any tourists visiting La Antigua.

He resided in La Antigua in the early 16th century, but his home has since been taken over by trees.

La Antigua Cortez's House Overtaken by Trees

I’m still trying to figure out if the trees are supporting or tearing down Cortes’ house.

For most of the site, only the foundation is still present.

The rest consists of a shell held together by roots.

La Antigua Cortez's House Doorway and Roots

Hun, can you remember to trim the roots this weekend?

La Antigua Cortez's House Roots

Roots, roots, and more roots.

Comprised of coral and bricks, Cortes’ former residence makes for interesting time-warped photographs.

Visit Cuernavaca for his more elaborate palace overshadowing the downtown.

La Antigua Cortez's House Relaxing in the Window

If you take too long taking selfies, then you may become a permanent attraction.

Adjacent to Cortes’ house, La Ermita de Rosario is the oldest church in the Americas.

La Antigua La Ermita de Rosario

La Ermita de Rosario doesn’t look her age

Down the street is a sprawling tree rumored to be the place Cortes moored his boat.

Today, it is protected by a chain instead of being tied up with one.

La Antigua Cortez Anchored Tree

200 meters from water…that is a long rope for the anchor

The river in La Antigua is lined with souvenir stalls selling the usual goods.

You can purchase candy, alcohol, or mass produced knick-knacks.

Fighting your way through the kitsch leads you to a suspension bridge.

I would not want to cross the river during a storm as it sways enough on a sunny day.

The sides are lined with flimsy standard diamond fencing you can find at Home Depot.

La Antigua Suspension Bridge

Don’t try your luck on this bridge.

How to get to Cempoala and La Antigua

Both Cempoala and La Antigua can be reached from the ADO/AU bus terminal in Veracruz.

Cempoala can be reached by taking a northbound AU bus, and getting off at the junction. From there it is a 6 km walk. Otherwise, you can take a bus to Cardel and take a bus from there.

La Antigua can be reached in a similar fashion. AU buses can drop you off at the Antigua toll booths, and then walk the remaining 3 km.

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***The Final Word – A visit to both Cempoala and La Antigua will fill a day in Veracruz, but can be skipped if not a huge Cortes aficionado ***

Are there any other major Cortes sites of pilgrimage in Mexico?

3 Shovels

Accessible DIY travel to more distant locations via multiple connections or longer forms of public transport

Visited in April 2016

Comments

  1. Roots, roots, and more roots. Good thing you didn’t get entangled in them.
    Yes, I could hear you.

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