HISTORICAL
ARCHITECTURE
The rich architecture and history of Zacatecas are priceless, so it comes as no surprise that the
city has been one of the
most successful Mexican destinations in keeping the old
look intact.
Catedral (Cathedral)
? Located on Avenida Hidalgo. This is considered one of the most
important masterpieces of New Spain
Baroque architecture. In
1959 it was granted the status as a basilica-cathedral. The building has three naves and their respective facades. The principal one, with ornamentation
that makes it look like
a huge stone altarpiece depicting the history of
Christianity, is adorned with abundant
and showy columns, angels and cornice moldings.
Open daily from 6:30 to 1:00 and 4:00 to 9:00.
Templo de Santo
Domingo ? Located at the
Plaza Santo Domingo. The sober
Baroque façade is certain to
grab your attention. Inside are nine quilted wooden
altarpieces. In the octagon-shaped sacristy, you?ll find eight beautiful
18th-century paintings
created by Francisco Martinez.
Open daily from 7:00 to 1:00 and 4:00 to 8:30.
Ex-Templo de San Agustin ? Located on Miguel
Auza Street. What was once a grandiose façade, originally a Baroque design, is now
a tall white wall. The side
walls of the structure remain
intact, giving you an idea of
how the building once looked. Open Tuesday
through Sunday from 9:00 to 9:00.
Ex-Convento de San
Francisco ? Located on Abasolo
Street. The most attractive features of this
former convent are its majestic architecture
and its outstanding
collection of paintings by Zacatecan artist Rafael Coronel and his son Juan Coronel. Open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday
through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:30.
Palacio del Gobierno y
Plaza de Armas ? Located at 604 Avenida Hidalgo. Inside the Governor?s
Palace you?ll see a mural by Antonio Pintor Rodriguez
that depicts the history of
Zacatecas. Just outside the building is
the Plaza de Armas, the most important and largest square
in the city.
Teatro Calderon ? Located at
501 Avenida Hidalgo. This is
Zacatecas? most brilliant architectural treasure. Its svelteness and strategic location
allow you to appreciate its
beauty from all angles. The
three-tiered façade and the
building?s crest give it the
appearance of an impressive
construction from the classical period.
The wide lobby is conservative, yet at the
same time elegant, due to its
large mirrors. Open daily from
10:00 to 9:00.