Saltillo, Coahuila

Founded in 1577 as part of the the Nueva Vizcaya and since 1824 the capital of the state, this territory included Texas until this land became an independent republic and later a state of the United States.

Saltillo is without doubt one of the best cities to visit in the north of Mexico. Its economic growth based in agriculture and commerce have made it a vigorous city that offers many interesting tourist attractions in a real peaceful atmosphere.

Built with pink quarry and limestone, many buildings exemplify the rich architectural heritage that this city holds. For instance, the Cathedral of Saltillo is a beautiful baroque building. It was built in the first half of the Nineteenth Century and features magnificent images painted by Jose de Alcibar.

Another great building is the Government Palace, built at he beginning of the Nineteenth Century. Behind the palace is the New Tlaxcala Square that mixes Tlaxcalan and Spanish cultures as the essence of the city. And the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is also a worth visiting space.

Saltillo features many museums such as the Bird Museum, the Chapulin Museum of Science, the Ruben Herrera Museum, which is within a Seventeenth Century house and that displays the paintings of this Zacatecan artist, the Interactive Desert of Coahuila Museum, or the two story Venustiano Carranza Museum, with photographs, objects, and documents of prominent political figures of the history of Mexico.

Besides, the Coahuila Institute of Culture, the Vito Alessio Robles Cultural Center with temporary exhibitions, and the Theater and Cultural Center Garcia Carrillo, named after a governor of the beginning of the Twentieth Century where local artists exhibit their work, are some examples of the cultural attractions of Saltillo.

Recreational spaces are also numerous in this city. For instance, the Maravillas Metropolitan Park houses an auditorium for large events, spacious green areas, and plenty of playgrounds for children. In addition, the Shooters of the North Recreational Club, though private, receives guests and offers the opportunity to practice and to compete in skeet shooting.

Saltillo is known for its handicrafts among which, pottery, wool clothes including "Sarapes", leather items, and jewelry stand out. Saltillo is also the site of the state fair that is celebrated from the last week of July until August 6th.