Zacatecas Cathedral
The magnificent cathedral, which stands on the Plaza Hidalgo, is for many people the most perfect example of the mexican Churrigueresque style. The building was begun in 1612 on the site of an earlier church, but the form it has today is primarily the result of additions dating from the period 1730-60. The façade, with its exceptionally elaborate decorative work which is typical of the richness of form of Spanish-Mexican Baroque, has illustrations of Christ with the twelve apostles, four Church Fathers around the chancel window, and in the uppermost section God the Father surrounded by eight angels making music. These images are fashioned with a mixture of Romanesque elements and motives derived from the Indian philosophy of life. The dome was rebuilt in 1836. The austere interior, mainly decorated in the Neo-Classical style, is disappointing; the exceptionally rich fittings (gold and silver objects, European paintings, etc.) which were once there disappeared during the Reform War and the turmoil of the Revolution.

Zacatecas is a central mexican state with 58 municipalities. It is famous for its rich silver deposits, and the main industries in the state are mining, and agriculture, in addition to tourism. Foreign visitors are drawn to the natural landscape and colonial heritage of the destination.

The twon was established in 1542 as Minas de Los Zacatecas, which means mines of Zacatecas in the Spanish language. During its long history under the rule of the Spanish crown, Zacatecas was one of the most important sources of silver for the kingdom, along with Potosi in Bolivia.

The state is traversed by the major railways of mexico, and mining is still the most important source of economic activity. Cereals, sugar and maguey cultivation is the major focus of agriculture in the state. Photos from Wikipedia.

The state of Zacatecas is located in the north-western-central high plateau sector of mexico bounded by the states of Coahuila, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato and Jalisco. The city of Zacatecas which is the capital and the largest in the state has grown up around rich silver-mining operations, although other minerals are also extracted from the area including gold, mercury, copper and iron ore.

Zacatecas is built in a deep, narrow ravine, with narrow, crooked streets, climbing the steep hillsides, and white, flat-roofed houses. The colonial Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features elaborately decorated buildings, old palaces, residences, colonial fountains and wrought-iron lanterns.

Overlooking the city from an elevation of 150 meters, is the Cerro de la Bufa, a rocky outcropping crowed by a chapel and which is a popular spot for hiking and taking in the view of the city below. The city is also famous for its Teleferico, an aerial tramway which starts at the Cerro del Grillo and flies over downtown Zacatecas giving passengers a breathtaking view of the city. The tramway then climbs up to the Cerro de la Bufa where passengers can enjoy the view of the city.

There are different activities you can do in this city. Among them are shopping for silver and visiting the different colonial style buildings and museums. Eating in Zacatecas is also a really nice experience since they have the best birria (sheep meat cooked with different spices) as well as other traditional dishes.

If you ever get the chance to visit this marvelous city, don’t forget to bring your camera so that you can take some nice pictures of the city from some of the hills that you can hike to.

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