Current Shows

 

World Heritage Cities of Latin America - A Virtual Tour

Tuesdays 10:00 to 11:30 AM Online Class from May 7 to June 11, 2024 - Simon Fraser Universitty


Latin America's UNESCO World Heritage cities blend Indigenous, colonial and contemporary influences, showcasing diverse heritage and architectural wonders. Join us on a virtual journey through Mexico, Central America and South America, from Mexico City to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, from Cartagena on the Caribbean coast to Cusco in the Andes mountains. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories behind their UNESCO World Heritage status. This multi-image photographic and musical journey takes us through Pre-Columbian vestiges, colonial cobblestone streets, bustling markets and breathtaking landmarks.

CONTENTS

Weeks 1-3: World Heritage Cities of Mexico and Central America

We begin in Mexico City, a city featuring three UNESCO World Heritage sites where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with colonial-era landmarks and modern architecture. We then embark on a journey through Mexico's plethora of World Heritage cities, such as the historic centres of Puebla, Morelia, Zacatecas, Querétaro and Guanajuato and adjacent mines. Marvel at the well-preserved colonial architecture and indigenous traditions in cities like Oaxaca, Tlacotalpan, or Guatemala’s Antigua, a city famous for its legendary syncretic Easter celebrations.

Weeks 4-6: World Heritage Cities of South America

South America’s World Heritage cities stand as testament to the enduring legacies of ancient civilizations, colonial conquests and modern-day architecture. We start in Cartagena and Santa Cruz de Mompox in Colombia, situated on the Caribbean coast. We then embark on a tour of Quito and Cuenca in Ecuador, then Lima, Arequipa and Cusco in Peru. Further south, we discover the city of Sucre, a colonial gem, and the nearby silver-mining town of Potosí in Bolivia. We then head to Chile to visit the historic port of Valparaiso and the company mining town of Sewell. We explore Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay and the rich colonial past and Afro-Brazilian heritage of Salvador de Bahia. We conclude with the modern architecture of Brasilia, Brazil’s capital and a landmark in the history of town planning.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • Appreciate the diverse heritage of the region and the cultural and architectural influences on its cities
  • Identify the similarities and differences among several UNESCO World Heritage cities throughout Latin America
  • Understand the compelling features and value that lead to UNESCO World Heritage status
  • Gain useful insights for visitors to these cities

How You Will Learn

  • Participation in Zoom seminars
  • Participation in written discussions with other students