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Saltillo
is the capital of the
State of Coahuila
and is located 869 km from Mexico City
by way of Federal Highways 57 and 45. It is a oldcolonial city,
founded in 1575. Its name is descriptive of a small waterfall that
comes from a spring at the location where the city was first
founded.
Saltillo has been received various
nicknames throughout the years. One is "Las Atenas de Mexico" (the
Athens of Mexico), due to the great thinkers that it has given to
the country and because of the important cultural and educational
centers here. Others are "La Ciudad del Clima Ideal" (The City of
Perfect Climate), because of the wonderful weather the city has
almost year round and "La Tierra del Sarape" (the Land of the
Serape), since the Serape, one of the most representative and
well-known articles of clothing from Mexico, originated here.
The industrial agriculture and
commercial activities, as well as its many tourist attractions, have
made Saltillo into one of the best places to visit in north Mexico.
The architectural heritage of Saltillo is reflected in the large
number of buildings constructed of pink quarry and limestone.
Among Saltillo’s main attractions are:
The
Saltillo Cathedral,
which is one of the most beautiful baroque
buildings in the country. A true architectural jewel dedicated to
the apostle Santiago el Mayor. Its construction, as a church, began
in 1945, but was later denominated as the Cathedral of Saltillo in
1891.
Faith, religious life and art have been present in
this architectural jewel for more than centuries. The Spanish
symbolism of burying three gold coins as an offering in the
construction of buildings was the basis of what today adorns its
ceilings and walls. A religios, cross-shaped architecture that
manifests its beauty on its facade; it is a perfect union between
God and man. Magnificent strokes of oil on canvas, meticulous
sculptures in each corner. Elements consciously worked in all of its
art and decoration are observed along the length and width of the
structure. Devotion and fervor are brought together in the Stations
of the Cross, from Belgium; the exquisite work of the antique
pulpit; splendid paintings from the Viceroyalty and Colonial Periods
like La Sagrada Familia and La Virgen de Guadalupe y sus apariciones,
that reflect the artistic skill of don Jose de Alcibar. Baroque
altarpieces and a multitude of Salomonic columns topped b the Conch
of the Apostle Santiago adorn the building.
San Juan Nepomuceno
Temple,
This neoclassical Jesuit building from the
nineteenth century preservers in its interiors oil paintings by
Father Gonzalo Carrasco, evangelical sculptures and a mural of the
life of San Juan.
Nueva Tlaxacala
Plaza,
Symbolizing the mixture of Tlaxcalteca and
Spanish culture which gave from to what is now Saltillo, this
beautiful esplanade is located behind the Government Palace.
El
Liceo de las Artes
El Casino de Saltillo,
Built in Greco-Roman style with neo-classical
details, this beautiful building, originally named Casino Militar,
was built in 1870. After surviving the
battles of the revolution, it now acts as a meeting place for the
Saltillan society.
The
Del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Chapel (1910)
Venustiano Caranza
Museum,
Located inside the Government Palace, the
two-story museum displays a collection of photography, furniture,
documents, objects and a video of the political lives of famous
figures.
Teatro Garcia Carrillo
Cultural Center,
Built from stone in the first decade of the
twentieth century, it is named in honor of the former governor
Antonio Garcia Carrillo. Now it is a space where local artists
demonstrate their quality works.
The San
Esteban Church (XVI century)
with its
original facade
The
Neo-Gothic style Guadalupe Sanctuary
Coahila Institute of
Culture (ICOCULT),
Recently remodeled, this building was once and
old mansion. It now houses a cafe, library, and exhibition halls
where temporary exhibits of paintings, sculptures, drawings and
other art forms are held
The
Government Palace (1808),
where there
are some murals depicting the political history of the State,
painted by Salvador Tarazona.
The
University of Saltillo with French-style architecture
Juarez Market,
Picturesque shopping center where one can buy
anything from the most typical candy to traditional craftwork such
as shawls, suits an hats.
San Esteban Temple,
This church has great
historic value. It
was built in 1592 when the town of
San Estebas de
la Nueva Tlaxcala, inhabited by the Tlaxcaltecans, was founded.
Later, in 1847, during the Battle of Angostura, it was used as a
hospital.
The
Gallery of History
The Plaza
de Armas (the Main Square),
which has a fountain made of cast bronze nymphs,
An emblematic point of reference where the
history, art and faith of this area come together, making it a must
see during your visit here.
The
Zaragoza Park, with a
monument honoring Ignacio Zaragoza, Venustiano Carranza, and Manuel
Acu๑a, is the main green area of Saltillo. It is an important park
where poplars and ash trees are surrounded by paths of paving
stones, creating an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and amusement
El Museo de
las Aves (Bird Museum) de Mexico,
Inaugurated in 1993, this modem cultural space
enriches and symbolizes our country and shows us, in spacious rooms,
the value, diversity and spectacle of the universe of birds.
Acu๑a Plaza,
An unmistakable place of amusement surrounded by
gardens with palm trees. An sculpture by Jesus Contreras stands out
in its centre honoring the memory of the Saltillan poet, Manuel
Acu๑a.
El
Museo de las Ciencias y Tecnologia El Chapulin
Ojo de Agua Church,
The construction of this modest church began in
1894 by local townspeople who were motivated by their devotion to
the blessed Christ and the waterfall from which Saltillo received
its name. Construction was completed in 1917.
Vito Alessio Robles Cultural Center,
This center preserves a large and valuable book
collection, as well as personal objects of this renowned historian.
The murals in the central patio stand out as well as the filmed
works of Elena
Huerta. In addition, there are temporary exhibits featuring
sculptures paintings and photography.
Purcell House / Cultural Center
Saltillo XXI Century,
With a Tudor entranceway, this
beautiful work of architecture was done in a classic Irish style at
the wishes of its owner, Guillermo Purcell, who was originally from
Ireland. Today, it serves as a cultural center.
Ruben Herrera Museum,
This museum exhibits the exemplary works of art
of this Zacatecan master. His drawings and paintings are surrounded
by the neocolonial style of this seventeenth century mansion.
San Francisco Temple,
An example of the spiritual fervor of its
inhabitants, this church dates back to the nineteenth century and
gives life to the San Francisco plaza/garden where a sculpture of
the well-known Saltillan bullfighter, Fermin Espinosa "Armillita
Chico" is located.
Shawl Factory,
This mansion remains an authentic fountain of
handcrafted originality where, inside, we can bear witness to how
imagination gives form to the most creative garment of this state.
Plaza
Mexico Scenic Lookout,
A point from where the city, in all its splendor,
can be admired and in 1847 was witness to the staging of the Beatle
of Angustura by U.S. troops.
Santa Anita Barrio,
Recently
transformed, this traditional and historical central neighborhood
boasts its picturesque spaces which are now more attractive than
ever. The small streets, Miraflores and Manuel Moreno, among others,
have been renovated to restore their colonial ambiance.
Zaragoza Alameda,
This perfect natural space for
relaxing under the abundant protection of ash and poplar trees
offers us places such as the Lake of the Republic, the State Public
Library and historic vision inspiring sculptures.
The Normal School,
Modest
building from the end of the nineteenth century where, behind its
pink stone walls, illustrious men have come forth to contribute to
the cultural image of the city.
The Commercial Academy and the Fernando
Soler Theater,
built in the XIX century,
In memory of
the actor who was born in this capital, this refuge of cultural
expressions boasts a group of Greek symbols crowned with a frieze of
the Goddess Ceres on its facade.
Nuestra Se๑ora de
Guadalupe Sanctuary,
Precious
gothic style religious work where the history of the nineteenth
century endures in its stone architecture.
Justice Palace,
This recently constructed building
has a somber facade of stone and ionic column a characteristic seal
of the city.
Central Public
Library,
This cultural
building with a simple stone entranceway and ornamentation
decorating its upper portion houses numerous reference materials.
Municipal Presidency,
Walkway gardens in front
of the building welcomes visitors and highlights a mural by Gonzalez
Camarena. This building is a symbol of the local governmental
bodies.
Congressional Palace,
Maintaining an
architectural style that harmonizes with the adjacent buildings,
assembly meetings have taken place under its roof for more than two
decades.
Plaza of the Twin Cities,
Pleasing space integrated
to highlight the fraternal bond that unites Saltillo with the city
of Austin, Texas, among others. A sculpture of the Saltillan poet
Manuel Acu๑a stands out in the plaza.
Old Train Depot,
outlined with shapes similar to
those of a factory, this vestige from 1883 was once witness to the
railroad line that connected the city of Saltillo with Mexico City.
New Legislative Palace,
This fairly new building,
with its powerful image in accord with its function, concludes the
tour of this area.
Saltillo Technological Institute,
Since the mid-twentieth century,
inside the walls of this impressive work of classical architecture
is where the brilliant minds of Saltillans
have been developed. its stone fa็ade is abundantly decorated, which
makes it one of
the most admired attractions.
Paseo Universitario,
Unique and
beautiful pedestrian structure that connects buildings of the
university. It perfectly adorns the area with its artistic de tails.
Ateneo Fuente,
Over the
last 137 years,
since its founding in 1867, this most respected and cared for
institution has given the light of knowledge to a countless number
of figures of culture, science and politics. Its enormous
contribution was so that the city would be considered the “Athens of
the North” and its recognition of don Juan Antonio de la Fuente, the
precursor of the project, give rise to the prestigious name of the
university. Valuable murals and a gallery with a collection of
Mexican art are treasured in side this art deco style building.
Distribuidor Vial,
This work of
engineering 5 a faithful reflection of the city’s state-of-the-art
and functional street system. Its construction earned it the “Civil
Work of Infrastructure at a National Level 2002”award.
Las Maravillas Metropolitan Park,
The
recreational and cultural complex has been converted into a great
attraction for families and visitors of the city. The Desert Museum
and the Las Maravillas Auditorium for large events stand out within
its spacious grounds made up of green areas and children’s
playgrounds.
Desert of Coahuila Museum,
Converted into
the best center of cultural promotion for the deserts of
northeastern Mexico, the museums modern facilities are divided into
four pavilions that spectacularly and in an interactive manner,
present the coexistence of the flora and fauna in the desert
environment.
Shooters of the North,
Recreational
club, which also holds competitions for skeet shooting (the shooting
of animals is prohibited). The only one of its kind, since it has
three skeet areas, Sporting, 5 Stand, trap and capacity for 65
shooters. It is a private club, but guests can be accommodated with
prior notification.
In Saltillo you can buy beautiful
handicrafts such as shawls, small rugs, wool blankets, leather
items, pottery, and jewelry.
The State Fair is celebrated from
July 23th to August 6th. The main regional cuisine dishes are
prepared with baby goat. |