Zacatecas City, Zacatecas

Known since pre-Hispanic times as a place with rich mining resources, Zacatecas grew as a colonial city that turned into an architectural jewel. Good examples to this are the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, and the Calderon Theater, among other buildings.

In the center of the city, right on Hidalgo Street, stands the pink quarry Cathedral that was finished by 1732 and is characterized by its baroque decoration. In this area of the city, the Palace of Government, formerly the house of the wealthy Count of Santiago de la Laguna, is another fine example of the early XVIII Century architecture that has made Zacatecas famous. The Temple of Santo Domingo belongs originally to the XVI Century, though it was rebuilt in the XIX century and later it was occupied by a Dominican order.

Two impressive museums stand out in Zacatecas due to their wonderful collections and exhibited pieces. One of them is the Zacatecan museum of Huichol Art located on Dr. Hierro Street. Visitors will be astonished by Huichol art of which a large mural of "chaquira" is a sample. The other museum is the Rafael Coronel, located on Abasolo Street, which is housed in a XVI Century building and exhibits beautiful historic and artistic works.

Another interesting attraction of Zacatecas is its cable car, from which wonderful views of the city can be enjoyed. The trip goes from the Downtown area up the top of La Bufa Hill and backwards. At the top, which is accessible by taxi too, an interesting museum regarding revolutionary hero Pancho Villa can be visited. The operation of the cable car takes place between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

And visitors should take the tour to the Eden Mine, a closed mine that operated since the late XVI Century rendering zinc, copper, iron, and gold. Nowadays it can be visited by tourists who even have the opportunity to dance in a Disco called El Malacate inside the mine.

Zacatecas is famous for its good gastronomy which can include "dobladillos" of black bean tacos with ground spiced beef, "enchiladas" and "carne adobada" which are tortillas filled with a variety of meat or marinated meat with cooked red sauce. Besides, as dessert, a delicacy called "torrejas" which are fried slices of bread bathed with "maguey" syrup are highly recommended.