Cerro de las Campanas, National park and historical site in Querétaro, Mexico.
Cerro de las Campanas is a national park and historical site on a hilltop in Querétaro with a wide esplanade at the summit. A tall statue of President Benito Juárez faces east from the top, and a museum on the grounds displays the region's history through various exhibits.
The hill became significant in 1867 when Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and two generals were executed here, marking the end of French occupation. This event was a turning point in Mexico's struggle for independence and self-governance.
The Magic of the Past Museum inside the park tells the story of Querétaro through interactive displays that take visitors from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.
The hill is reachable on foot, but the terrain is steep and requires good shoes and decent fitness. It's best to visit during cooler parts of the day and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
The name comes from stones that produced bell-like sounds when struck together and contained a rare mixture of bronze, silver, copper, and antimony. This acoustic property made the place historically notable to local people.
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