Zacatecas, Mexico

Zacatecas, once a major silver mining town, was at one time the cultural center of the entire Southwest. As a result there are some incredible tourist attractions here in a town that is not a major tourist destination and is seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Guided tours are available at Mina El Eden where you go into the mine shafts in a mining cart. There is even a nightclub in the mines, open only late at night. Another major attraction is the teleferico (cable car) which runs across the city to the Cerro de la Bufa - a historic hill overlooking the city. There is a church up there, and a museum and several statues commemorating the revolution.

The museums are not to be missed. The Pedro Coronel Museum has some works of art from Europe including a Picasso and a Miro. It houses rooms for African art, Tibetian Budhas and even a mummy. What a surpise to see a mummy in such an isolated area! Pedro Coronel was a silver baron who spent many years living in Europe collecting art which he later donated to the city for this museum.

Museo Rafael Coronel is housed in a picturesque old monastery and has over 3,000 masks and puppets. In addition to this there are 2 modern art museums - one has a section of large paintings that are about 18 feet tall.

The old colonial part of town was build it a valley and as the town grew it expanded into another valley. This left the old part intact and when you walk around you feel like you are in Europe. Due to it's remote location, there is not alot of traffic or pollution. As you wander around you will find many noteworthy historical landmarks. The cathedral is exceptional. It is in pink sandstone and is a fine example of churrigueresque architecture.

The Hotel Quinta Real was built around an old bullring and is worth a visit even if you are not staying there. Restaruant La Garufa has an Argentinean grill where you order your dinner by the kilo - great place for meateaters!

Hotel Quinta Real The hotel was constructed in and around the Plaza de Toros San Pedro, the second oldest bull ring in the western hemisphere. Zacatecas, Zacatecas 492/922-9104 reservaciones@quintareal.com http://www.quintareal.com.mx/livebrochure/

Muestra Nacional de Teatro More than two dozen productions of theater from throughout Mexico are presented Zacatecas, Zacatecas

Museo Rafael Colonel The Mask and Puppet Museum i shoused in an attrractive monestary build in 1567. Zacatecas, Zacatecas

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