Queretaro, Mexico: Vacations and travel info

Description

Queretaro combines the past with the present, creating an incomparable mixture of history, culture and tradition. The cobblestone streets of the historic center, as well as the numerous temples and plazas, contrast with the modern highways that give access to the city. The fascinating monuments and wonderful museums with their old fashioned facades stand out from the modern architecture of the ''Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez'' theater, the large Corregidora Stadium, and the dozens of other brand new buildings, including the new Convention Center project. On the other hand, the stunning Aqueduct and the camphor trees, silent witnesses to the passing of time, give shade to this beautiful city.

The interesting combination of architectural styles, the cool weather, the kindness of the people, the sound of the Huapango music and the sensation provided by the jacaranda flower filled streets during summer, will transport you back in time and show you the splendid grandeur of the Mexican culture.

The city of Queretaro is located in a privileged area of central Mexico, in a beautiful region known as El Bajio. Queretaro's temperate climate averages a very mild 66 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, making it a perfect destination to visit at any time.

According to legend, this beautiful city, declared as Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, was born under divine protection. Its foundation is popularly known as a miracle, and the people have a magical air that you will see as soon as you arrive in Queretaro.

A Rich History

On July 25th 1531, the Conquering Army and the Chichimeca Army arranged to meet on the Sangremal Hill, where an unprecedented battle took place, fighting hand to hand using nothing but their fists as weapons. The legend tells that a solar eclipse darkened the day, then a shining cross appeared in the sky followed by the apostle Santiago, who ended the battle and converted the Chichimecas to Christianity. It was then when Santiago de Queretaro was created as a community, becoming eventually one of the most important cities in Mexico, cradle of the history and culture of the Mexican people.

In 1848, the city of Queretaro became the temporary capital of Mexico and it was here where the final decisions were taken to put an end to the war against the United States. During the French intervention (1864-1867), Queretaro witnessed the republican victory when the Emperor of Mexico, Maximilian of Habsburg, along with the most important conservative generals, were executed on June 19th 1867 on the Cerro de las Campanas (Mountain of Bells), putting an end to the Second Mexican Empire.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, the city of Queretaro served as the headquarters of the revolutionaries who sought national independence. The city was also the meeting point for historic characters such as Epigmeo and the Emeterio Gonzalez brothers, as well as Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, wife of Corregidor Manuel Dominguez. It was inside the majestic Teatro Iturbide, currently named Teatro de la Republica, that the political constitution of the United Mexican States (the official name of Mexico) was first put into effect, on February 5th 1917.

World Heritage Sites

As part of the great cultural and natural richness that Mexico possesses, the state of Queretaro has been awarded twice as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: the first was given in 1996 to the Historic Center of Santiago de Queretaro, and the second award was given in 2003 to a group of five missions located in the Sierra Gorda mountain range.

The Historic Center of Queretaro is a real architectural treasure, and a testament to Mexico's illustrious colonial past. It is a fascinating blend of cultures that combines the indigenous legacy of the Otomi, Tarasco and Chichimeca people with that of the conquistadores. The dozens of Baroque style religious structures, the many secular buildings dating back to the 17th century, along with the cobblestone streets, and the traditional, picturesque alleys are all clear reminders of Queretaro's rich heritage.

On the other hand, the five Franciscan missions of the Sierra Gorda are a true visual marvel. Their facades are a testimony to the magnificent artistic talent of the indigenous and the Spanish missionaries during the last phase of Mexico's evangelization. Another aspect that makes the five missions fascinating is the stunning natural setting, within the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, which is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.

Queretaro has always been an important traditional Mexican city. Discover more about the history of this special city full of mysticism and legends. Come and enjoy Queretaro.