Zacetecas
2/21/09 – 2/23/09
Zacatecas was established as a Spanish colonial silver mining settlement in the 16th century and, although the significant mining operations declined after the 17th century, the town remains a beautifully preserved example of such colonial towns in Mexico. Zacatecas lies at an altitude of 2400 meters and is thus much cooler in temperature than any of our previous stops since Las Vegas. It is situated on the steep slopes of a narrow valley of the Rio de la Plata and is nestled between two landmark hills, Grasshopper Hill and Cerro de la Bufa, which are connected by one of the City’s most popular attractions, El Teléferico.
El Teleférico
Zacatecas Overview
Zacatecas Overview
A walking trip through the downtown is absolutely necessary to appreciate the history and charm of Zacatecas. The street configuration is rather obscure with very narrow passageways and small plazas connecting the more substantial thoroughfares.
Pedestrian Streets of Zacatecas
The lack of a grid-like design is reflective of the mining history as this type of layout facilitated communication and ease of operations between the mines and ore processing facilities. At its peak, in 1550, there were 34 mines in operation in Zacatecas. Today El Edén Mine in the most central facility in town and offers extensive daily tours to the public. This mine is also home to the extremely unique La Mina Club, open Thursday through Saturday evenings.
El Edén Mine
As with many of the Spanish Colonial Towns in Mexico, 110 hectares of the historic district of downtown Zacatecas have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This area contains an array of public and private buildings including an extensive collection of museums, religious institutions, and public plazas. Many of these are notably characterized by ornate Baroque styling.
Santa Domingo
Catedral
Catedral
Catedral
Teatro Calderon
Fuente de los Faroles
Jardin de la Madre
Vaca Grande
Zacatecas was established as a Spanish colonial silver mining settlement in the 16th century and, although the significant mining operations declined after the 17th century, the town remains a beautifully preserved example of such colonial towns in Mexico. Zacatecas lies at an altitude of 2400 meters and is thus much cooler in temperature than any of our previous stops since Las Vegas. It is situated on the steep slopes of a narrow valley of the Rio de la Plata and is nestled between two landmark hills, Grasshopper Hill and Cerro de la Bufa, which are connected by one of the City’s most popular attractions, El Teléferico.
El Teleférico
Zacatecas Overview
Zacatecas Overview
A walking trip through the downtown is absolutely necessary to appreciate the history and charm of Zacatecas. The street configuration is rather obscure with very narrow passageways and small plazas connecting the more substantial thoroughfares.
Pedestrian Streets of Zacatecas
The lack of a grid-like design is reflective of the mining history as this type of layout facilitated communication and ease of operations between the mines and ore processing facilities. At its peak, in 1550, there were 34 mines in operation in Zacatecas. Today El Edén Mine in the most central facility in town and offers extensive daily tours to the public. This mine is also home to the extremely unique La Mina Club, open Thursday through Saturday evenings.
El Edén Mine
As with many of the Spanish Colonial Towns in Mexico, 110 hectares of the historic district of downtown Zacatecas have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This area contains an array of public and private buildings including an extensive collection of museums, religious institutions, and public plazas. Many of these are notably characterized by ornate Baroque styling.
Santa Domingo
Catedral
Catedral
Catedral
Teatro Calderon
Fuente de los Faroles
Jardin de la Madre
Vaca Grande
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