Oaxaca de Juarez

About

While the Oaxaca valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, modern-day Oaxaca de Juarez was established in 1521 by Spanish conquistadors searching for the source of the Aztec's gold. Since then, the city has grown to become the state capital, but despite its size, still retains its historic charms in its UNESCO-listed town center. Many of the city’s 1,200 historic monuments were built low with thick walls to withstand the many earthquakes that rock the region while still being richly adorned. While the central square is lined with charming arcaded buildings hosting open-air cafes, the pride of Oaxaca is the 16th century Templo de Santo Domingo, which has a beautiful baroque facade, and an interior that’s entirely covered in swirling gilded reliefs and painted figures. The adjoining monastery now houses one of Mexico’s best museums with exhibits covering everything from pre-Hispanic artefacts to traditional cuisine, and the cloisters now surround a botanical garden dedicated to local flora.