Cuernavaca, city, southern Mexico, capital of Morelos State. It is near Mexico City, with which it is connected by rail. The center of a fertile district, the city contains sugar refineries and distilleries. Because of its healthful climate and picturesque scenery, Cuernavaca is a health and vacation resort. The city, which occupies the site of an ancient Native American village, was a favorite residence of the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés and later of Maximilian, the Austrian-born emperor of Mexico. Noteworthy buildings include the Palace of Cortés, with a mural by the Mexican painter Diego Rivera, and the Borda Garden. A university is here. Near the city are the ruins of an Aztec temple, 122 m (400 ft) high, consisting of five terraces. Population (1995) 316,782.
