Zacatecas City Attractions

Zacatecas State - Capital

Cathedral

It is the centerpiece of Zacatecas, is one of Mexico's most awesome colonial treasures. It was built between 1707-52, with the exception of its massive bell towers (completed in 1785 and 1904). The building is made of soft pink cantera stone. It is one of the world's finest examples of stone masonry. The Cathedral has three façades.

The most stunning is the main façade, with its massive tiered columns and intensely ornate carvings. It took nine years to complete and is considered to be the finest example of a style known as "Mexican Baroque."

Cerro la Bufa

Towering above downtown is La Bufa, a rocky mound of stone. The hill offers sweeping views of Zacatecas, as well as three attractions of interest. El Santuario is a small chapel consecrated in 1728. Nearby is the Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas, dedicated to the Revolutionary battle that freed Zacatecas in 1914. Facing the museum are three enormous bronze statues of the battle's heroes: Pancho Villa, Pánfilo Natera, and Felipe Angeles. A Swiss-made aerial tramway, known as the Teleférico, connects the city with la Bufa.

La Mina el Eden

One of Mexico's most unusual visitor attractions is a tour of El Edén Mine. The tour begins by taking a small train into the depths of the mine.

A walking guided tour re-counts the mine's tragic past. Forced laborers endured unspeakable hardships hauling tons of silver ore from the depths of this 1500-foot-deep mine. The mine opened in 1586 and was worked until 1964 when water flooded its lower levels. There is now an underground disco here.

Teatro Calderon

One of the city's finest 19th century treasures, the Teatro is an elegant 3-story building. Its exterior is French and art nouveau. The interior is a sumptuous combination of hardwoods, bronze statues and thick red carpet.

Teleferico (Cable Car)

Teleferico is the only cable car in the world that crosses the entire city. You can take a ride that runs about 650 meters (2,145 feet) from the Cerro Del Grillo to the Cerro de la Bufa, which offers a great view of the city from 85 meters (280 feet) above. The ride runs about 10 minutes.