CATHEDRAL: This, the centerpiece of Zacatecas, is one of Mexico’s most awesome colonial treasures. It was built between 1707-52, with the exception of its massive bell towers (completed in 1785 and 1904). The building made of soft pink cantera stone. Depending on the time of day, its exterior color shifts from light pink to burnt orange. It is one of the world’s fines examples of stone masonry. The Cathedral has three facades. The most stunning is the main facade, with its massive tiered columns and intensely ornate carvings. It look nine years to complete and is considered to be the finest example of a style known as "Mexican Baroque." In contrast, the vast interior is sober and unadorned.

PLAZA DE ARMAS: Shaped like a long rectangle, the city’s cozy main square sits next to the Cathedral. It date back to the 18^th century. To the north is the former residence of the state’s governors, a stately neoclassic two-story building. Occupying the eastern side of the square is the Palacio de Gobierno, originally built as a private residence in 1727. Its white exterior is handsomely trimmed with soft pink stone and ornamental wrought iron balconies. Today it houses government offices. A vibrant multi-dimensional mural here by artist Antonio Pintor Rodriguez depicts the state’s history. Directly across the street are two buildings: the Hotel Radisson Paraiso Zacatecas and the Palacio de la Mala Noche. The Palacio, a former 18^th century residence, is noted for its stark white facade and stone carved balconies and windows.

MERCADO GONZALEZ ORTEGA: Across from the Cathedral is this graceful building of black iron columns built in 1889. It houses a dozen moderns shops and boutiques, including a wine store selling locally produced brands.

TEATRO CALDERON: One of the city’s finest 19^th century treasures, the Teatro is an elegant 3-story building. Its exterior is French and art nouveau. The interior is a sumptuous combination of hardwood, bronze statues and thick red carpet.

ACUEDUCTO DEL CUBO: Built in the late 18^th century, thirty-nine thick, rose-colored arches grace the city’s southern entrance. This structure once served as a conduit for water to the city.

CERRO LA BUFA: Towering above downtown is La Bufa, a rocky mound of stone. The hill offers sweeping views of Zacatecas, as well as three attractions of interest. El Santuario is a small chapel consecrated in 1728. Nearby is the Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas, dedicated to the Revolutionary battle that freed Zacatecas in 1914. Facing the museum are three enormous bronze statues of the battle’s heroes: Pancho Villa, Pánfilo Natera, and Felipe Angeles. A Swiss-made aerial tramway, known as the Teleférico, connects the city with la bufa (eight-minute ride; operates daily).

LA MINA EL EDEN: One of Mexico’s most unusual visitor attractions is a tour of El Edén Mine. The tour begins by taking a small training into the depths of the mine. A walking guided tour (in Spanish only) re-counts the mine’s tragic past. Forced laborers endured unspeakable hardships hauling tons of silver ore from the depths of this 1500-foot-deep mine. The mine opened in 1586 and was, worked until 1964 when water flooded its lower levels. Believe it or not, there is now an underground disco here!

PARKS

The city has three lovely parks, each built in the 19^th century, Parque Enrique Estrada is across from the aqueduct. The Jardín Morelos has a monument to motherhood and the Alameda is an elongated green belt with graceful European style fountains and statues.

MUSEUMS

The city has many museums, four of which are truly special.

MUSEO PEDRO CORONEL: Two blocks from the Cathedral is one of Mexico’s greatest art collections. Assembled by Mexican artist Pedro Coronel (a native of Zacatecas) the museum is two stories filled with priceless art from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. On display are original works of Picasso, Dali, Chagall, Miró and Goya. Ancient treasures include Greek pottery and Egyptian art from the 16^th century B.C. The museum is housed in the beautiful 17^th century Jesuit Colegio de San Luis Gonzaga. (Closed Thursdays.)

MUSEO RAFAEL CORONEL:Brother of Pedro, Rafael Coronel has donated a collection of 3,700 masks that are the center price of this lovely museum. Housed in a wing of the crumbling 17^th century ExConvento de San Francisco, the museum rambles through arched corridors and past flowering courtyards. There are works by Diego Rivera and a fine collection of antique puppets and colonial-era terracotta pottery and figurines. (Close Wednesdays.)

MUSEO GOITIA: Housed in the elegant French-style former governor’s residence, this museum features works representing 90 years of Zacatecas art. Emphasis is on the work of renowned painter Francisco Goitía. (Closed Mon.)

MUSEO DE GUADALUPE: Perhaps Mexico’s finest collection of colonial era painting is located about 10 kilometers east of downtown in the Templo de Guadalupe, founded in 1707. The collection includes dozens of religious paintings, housed in an exFranciscan convent of extraordinary beauty. (Closed Mondays.)

Other Churches and Convents

Zacateca’s silver wealth helped build some of Mexico’s most beautiful churches, temples and convents. Santo Domingo, located next to the Pedro Coronel Museum, dates back to 1746. Its noble Baroque exterior is set between twin bell towers capped with blue and white tile. Nearby is San Agustín, a recently restored church dating back to 1617. Its facade contains masterfully carved stone ornamentation.