Santiago de Querétaro in Municipality of Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico — The Central Highlands

Hill of the Bells

Cerro de las Campanas

By J. Makali Bruton, September 27, 2016

1. Hill of the Bells Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Cerro de las CampanasEsta mínima elevación fue escenario de un momento de transformación para la República Mexicana, cuando en acatamiento de la resolución del Tribunal de guerra, el 19 de junio de 1867 cayeron fusilados en este lugar el malogrado emperador Maximiliano de Habsburgo y sus generales Miguel Miramón y Tomás Mejía, sellándose así el triunfo de la República y la determinación soberana de nuestro país.
En 1900 el gobierno de Austria mandó edificar una capilla en lugar de los hechos, y en 1967, el gobierno mexicano erigió la monumental estatua del presidente Benito Juárez.
El Cerro de las Campanas es hoy asiento de la Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro y espacio de recreación y esparcimiento.

English:Hill of the BellsThis small hill was the scene of a defining moment for the Republic of Mexico. Here, on June 19, 1867, the verdict of the War Tribunal was carried out when Maximilian of Hapsburg together with his generals Miguel Miramon and Tomas Mejia were executed by a firing squad. This act sealed the triumph of the Republic and returned sovereignty of Mexico.

By J. Makali Bruton, September 27, 2016

2. Hill of the Bells Marker

The marker is on the right near the entrance to the Hill of the Bells park. The stairway here leads to the Maximilian Chapel (seen in the distance) and on to the statue of Juárez.

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In 1900 the government of Austria asked permission to build a chapel on this spot. In 1967 the government of Mexico erected a monumental statue of President Benito Juarez.
The Hill of the Bells now contains the Autonomous University de Queretaro, a museum and an area of recreation and relaxation.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1867.

Location. 20° 35.61′ N, 100° 24.523′ W. Marker is in Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, in Municipality of Querétaro. Memorial can be reached from Calle Cerro de las Campanas close to Calle Justo Sierra. The marker is on the right just after the entrance to the Cerro de las Campanas Park. The entrance is on the right on Calle Universidad (also known as Calle Cerro de las Campanas) just at the intersection with Calle Justo Sierra. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro 76010, Mexico. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General Mariano Escobedo (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hill of the Bells (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chapel of La Piedad (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Founding of the Autonomous University of Querétaro (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Site of the Surrender of Maximilian

The Maximilian Chapel built in 1900, mentioned in the marker text. image. Click for full size.

By J. Makali Bruton, September 27, 2016

3. The Maximilian Chapel built in 1900, mentioned in the marker text.

(approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The Children Heroes of the Battle of Chapultepec (approx. half a kilometer away); The Parish of Cristo Rey (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Félix Nabor Osores de Sotomayor García (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santiago de Querétaro.

The Statue of Benito Juárez from 1967, at the top of the famous hill. image. Click for full size.

By J. Makali Bruton, September 27, 2016

4. The Statue of Benito Juárez from 1967, at the top of the famous hill.

At the site of the execution of Maximilian and his generals is this massive statue of Juárez. Note the size of the statue compared to the tourists to the right. The inscription on the front of the statue is the famous quote:
Entre los individuos como entre las naciones,
el respeto del derecho ajeno es la paz.

English translation:
Between not just individuals, but also nations,
peace is the respect for the rights of others.

An additional marker on the statue of Benito Juárez image. Click for full size.

By J. Makali Bruton, September 27, 2016

5. An additional marker on the statue of Benito Juárez

En el centenario
del triunfo
de la Republica
Queretaro, Qro.
15 de mayo de 1967
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz
Presidente de la Republica

English translation:
On the 100th anniversary of the triumph of the Republic
Querétaro, Querétaro
May 15, 1967
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz
President of the Republic

Edouard Manet's depiction of the execution of Maximilian, Tomás Mejía and Miguel Miramón. image. Click for full size.

6. Edouard Manet's depiction of the execution of Maximilian, Tomás Mejía and Miguel Miramón.

The Execution of Emperor Maximilian (1868–69), oil on canvas, 252 x 305 cm. Kunsthalle Mannheim. This image is in the public domain.

An alternative view of the statue of Benito Juárez at the Hill of the Bells. image. Click for full size.

By J. Makali Bruton, March 26, 2017

7. An alternative view of the statue of Benito Juárez at the Hill of the Bells.

The Maximilian Chapel built in 1900, mentioned in the marker text - Postcard View image. Click for full size.

By J.c.s., circa 1910

8. The Maximilian Chapel built in 1900, mentioned in the marker text - Postcard View

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. This page has been viewed 207 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. 7. submitted on May 26, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. 8. submitted on November 15, 2016.