Chihuahua City

Chihuahua - Other Cities and Attractions

Founded in the 18th century, Chihuahua City, the capital city of the state with the same name, is a bustling industrial center with a small town feel and a perfect example of the Mexican melting pot, where the traditional and modern converge.

On the streets of Chihuahua, men in the traditional white cowboy hats and boots gather together at the plaza, young girls pass by in soccer uniforms, boys practice their latest skateboard moves and indigenous women dressed in colorful blouses sell their handicrafts.

An interesting feature of Chihuahua City is the grandiose statue of none other than Anthony Quinn, with arms outstretched. While most people believe he is Greek, the enormous statue of this Chihuahua native keeps watch over this growing city, as does a nearby steer, symbolic of Chihuahua's most important industry.

An interesting way to get to know Chihuahua City is to ride the Trolley (“Trolley Turistico El Tarahumara”), which stops at all major tourist attractions in the city.

Chihuahua City Attractions

Plaza de Armas

This well-preserved historical center is anchored by the ornate, twin-towered, pink baroque cathedral dating from 1717. Also on the Plaza de Armas is Chihuahua's city hall. Occupying centre stage in its conference room is this building's claim to fame: the largest conference table in the world, according to a Ripley's "Believe or not" column.

Cathedral of Chihuahua

The baroque-style Cathedral, built with pink quarry stone and the main building of Chihuahua . It is a fine example of colonial construction in the north of Mexico and dates back to 1725. The current archbishop is Jose Fernandez. It took 100 years to build the cathedral.

The caves were discovered and opened to the public recently, although they were originated in the course of millions of years from salt and minerals.

They feature stalactites and stalagmites formations that will dazzle you with their amusing and interesting shapes during this underground excursion, which covers a length of 5300 feet. The caves are well-lit, allowing visitors to see these natural wonders more clearly, and have handrails as well as passageways to offer a safe journey to the tourists.

Pancho Villa's Mansion

The Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolución) at Calle 10 Norte #3014 is now owned by the Mexican army! Villa's former 50-room mansion was turned into a museum by his widow, Luz Corral de Villa, who lived here proudly showing it off to visitors until her death in 1981. Many people still refer to it as Quinta Luz or La Casa de Villa. Despite having insufficient signs or information, this museum is, quite rightly, a must-see on most visitors' agendas. Now standing in silent homage to "El General", the great man's personal mementos and furnishings, which once echoed to the sounds of his boisterous gatherings and wild parties, today hover in the background while, drawn by ghoulish magnetism, visitors cluster in the courtyard, counting the holes in his bullet-riddled Dodge roadster.