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The greatness of Oaxaca is not only in the capitol. The neighboring
villages also have rich Archeological Sites, architecture from Colonial
times and the Porfiriato, Community Museums and handcrafts.
Here you have several routes:
Atzompa
This town is just 8 kilomters from Oaxaca city. I suggest you to
begin your trip by visiting La Casa del
Artesano (the House of the Artisan), an ideal place to see
how the beautiful terracotta and green-glazed items are made. The
pots are made following ancient, ancestral techniques.
Monte Albán
Only 10 kilometers from Oaxaca City, Monte Albán was founded around
500 AD and it was capital of the Zapotecs, and one of the first
cities of Mesoamerica being very populated during its peak. It flourished
until 750 AD, reaching its peak around 600 AD.
San Antonio Arrazola
On the highway towards Villa de Zaachila, turn right after 12 km
and at 3.5 kilometers you will find this town. Here artisans use
wood from the copal tree to create fantastic, imaginary animal figures,
known as Alebrijes, which are
exhibited in the artisans´ houses and in various shops in Oaxaca
City.
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Cuilapan de Guerrero
12 kilometers from Oaxaca City on the highway towards Zaachila,
this unfinished but marvelous religious complex, constructed by
Dominicans in the 16th century. It consists of the ex-convent, a
church and chapel with a basilica type floor plan. Its name in Nahuatl
means dyed river or rattles
over waters, it was formerly called Coyolapan.
Zaachila
It is located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Oaxaca City,
or at 25 minutes by car, on the Interstate Highway. In this place
there still are pre-Hispanic traditions and habits you can witness,
on Thursday, in the famous weekly market. The archeological site
has not been explored completely. The chronology of the site from
1100 to 1521 AD comprises a big artificial pyramid with a set of
mounds. Monticulo A stands out for its chambers and four tombs;
two of these are very interesting for its content, being denominated
Tomb 1 and Tomb 2. This town is famous for its rich gastronomy,
it has a wide variety of typical Oaxacan dishes on the Restaurant´s
area.
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