Aguascalientes City

Aguascalientes - Other Cities and Attractions

The city of Aguascalientes is the capital of the state of Aguascalientes in western central Mexico. It stands on the banks of the Río Aguascalientes.

The city was founded on 22 October 1575. It became the capital of the newly formed state of the same name when its territory was split off from neighboring Zacatecas State in 1835.

The name Aguascalientes originated from the Spanish words 'Aguas Calientes' meaning 'hot waters'. When the city was first founded in 1575 it was given this name for its abundance of hot springs. These thermal features are still in demand in numerous spas and even exploited for domestic use.

The city is a pleasant health resort, noted for its mineral waters and vineyards. Its industries include railroad repair and the manufacture of textiles.

The beautiful city of Aguascalientes is a magical place that even with its, almost five-hundred thousand inhabitants, can have the pleasure of enjoying of a friendly and familiar ambience to the very style of the big 'ranchos'. In this city the vial system makes an impression on the foreign visitors since the people have no need of traffic lights, they use a system called 'one and one', consisting in the drivers passing on one street and yielding in the next one. This city has a life with true quality; here you can breathe history and culture in every corner. Its historic center catches the eye thanks to the distinctive green and yellow colors of the quarry from this region which can be appreciated on the façades of the gorgeous buildings.

While strolling along the beautiful streets of the city, you will find a huge range of historic buildings, gorgeous temples dating back to past centuries, and a great variety of museums with priceless art expositions. In the surrounding areas of the city you will find the very famous natural springs with curative properties, and of course the beautiful haciendas of great historic value. Without a doubt, Aguascalientes has many things to offer to the visitor.

El Jardin de San Marcos (San Marcos' Garden)

The construction of this beautiful place was finished in 1842, it is delimitated by a neoclassic balustrade (a banister of small columns) of pink quarry, this garden has access on the four cardinal points, and finishing touches with a vase style. Nowadays, this place is a symbol of the city. The temple of San Marcos beautifully rises on the west side of this garden.

La Feria Nacional de San Marcos (San Marcos' National Fair)

San Marcos' National Fair has become the most distinctive element to identify the state of Aguascalientes, nationally and internationally. Held from April to May, it is the oldest and most famous fair of the country, it has popular festivals, cockfights that take place at the largest 'palenque' (cockfight ring) of Latin America; this place also features an elegant casino, the only place in Mexico where bets are allowed. When the cockfights are over, many national and international singers present their shows on this arena.

At the San Marcos' National Fair you will also find bullfights, Ferris wheel and other fair's rides, theater shows, the election of the Queen of the fair, the famous contest of traditional costume, interesting farming, cattle and industrial expositions; the National Young-Art Award, the National Poetry Award and many other first-class awards, achieving a wide cultural program that goes hand and hand with the endless fun provided to locals and visitors by the fair.

Palacio de Gobierno (City Hall)

This beautiful building dates from 1665 and is located at the southern side of the main plaza. Even though it was used as a city council it is known that it was originally intended to be used as the residence of the Rincon family, nobles who were the holders of the Cienega de Mata heritage. This building has a great historic value, it features a beautiful façade of red volcanic stone and it has more than a hundred arcs that surround both of the patios of this colonial building. At the back, the murals made by Oswaldo Barra tell stories about the local and national history.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral of the city of Aguascalientes is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Our Lady of the Ascension) and it is located over the same place where a chapel was originally founded in 1575; on its façade, decorations of the Salomonic Baroque style can be found.

Encino Temple

This place was built between 1773 and 1796. The Black Christ is venerated in this temple. This image first appeared when a lightening collided against a tree; the commemoration of the Black Christ is on November, 13th.

It is believed that bullfighters are the most devoted advocates to this black and beautiful figure. A collection of painting about the Via Cruxis made by the artist Andres Lopez between 1798 and 1801 is exposed in the walls of this temple. The Encino Temple is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, known as Triana.

Culture House

The Culture House is located in a 17th century building that was first used as a family house, and then turned into a convent. Among its valuable expositions you will find six bronze plaques with motifs of ancient Aztec gods and kings. The patios of this building are used for book fairs, theater plays, and book expositions or presentations. If you enjoy art in any form, this is a place worth visiting.

Regional Museum of History

The Regional Museum of History will allow you to take an exciting journey through the evolution of Aguascalientes, from prehistory to the present day. In its 9 exposition halls you will find regional paleontology exhibitions, diverse ceramic, archaeological and colonial pieces, and some pieces dating from the Revolutionary Convention of 1914. Inaugurated in 1988 by the state government and the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), it is a must see place during your visit to this beautiful city.

Contemporary Art Museum

At the Contemporary Art Museum of Aguascalientes you will find a marvelous collection of the most representative plastic art of Mexico. Besides, it features wide spaces for temporal expositions. Do not miss the chance to know more about the contemporary art, stop by this fabulous museum during your stay in Aguascalientes.

"Descubre" Science and Technology Museum

Right outside the city you will find a fabulous spiral-shaped building, the "Descubre" Science and Technology Museum, a pretty modern interactive museum where you can approach science and technology in a fun way, discovering the mysteries of our planet and the universe; you will also get a very different global perspective of our planet's environment. This museum is a place where learning will turn into an exciting adventure.

Ojocaliente

The springs of Ojocaliente have been the main source of water for the city of Aguascalientes since its foundation, thanks to the natural pools formed by the gushes of water. Its thermal baths where open to the public during the second half of the 19th century, they have kept their neoclassic style of French influence that date back to the early days of the 20th century.

These impressive waterfalls are formed by the Agua Azul River which meets at its end the Shumulha River. The indigo blue color of the water, the green vegetation, the constant breeze, and the never ending sound of the water makes this site one of the most spectacular and unforgettable in Mexico. It is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) south of the city of Palenque. At this attraction you may find regional arts and crafts, practice camping, photography and swimming.

By the end of the 17th century, this hacienda was used for stockbreeding, towards the 19th century this activity was substituted little by little by agriculture, mainly farming and wheat grinding, activities in which it became very productive. In 1990 this property was donated to the Miguel Angel Barberena Foundation which is devoted to environmental education. The facilities of this ex hacienda are wonderful, that is why children camps are organized in here, to teach them how to protect nature.

These impressive waterfalls are formed by the Agua Azul River which meets at its end the Shumulha River. The indigo blue color of the water, the green vegetation, the constant breeze, and the never ending sound of the water makes this site one of the most spectacular and unforgettable in Mexico. It is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) south of the city of Palenque. At this attraction you may find regional arts and crafts, practice camping, photography and swimming.

Jose Guadalupe Posada museum is dedicated to Jose Guadalupe Posada, a man who was born and lived in Aguascalientes and who is credited as the founder of Modern Mexican art.  The museum hosts a whole collection of his work as well as temporary exhibitions featuring other Mexican artists.

El Ocote

30 miles out of Aguascalientes City is the archaeological zone of El Ocote featuring cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the past. Human forms, four-legged animals and geometrical-form drawings dating back hundreds of years adorn the wall of the Tecuanes Hill. Recent digs have uncovered human remains, stone artifacts and a grinding tool impregnated with red pigment.

Aguascalientes Museum

This museum features a permanent exhibition by Saturnine Herrán (1887-1918), another Aguascalientes native. The works are reminiscent of French art nouveau, portraits and illustrative work. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits.