Parral

Casa Griensen - Regional History Museum

Beautifully restored Porfiriato era townhome with an open courtyard and ornate architectural detail. Today, the home's rooms have been turned into galleries that tell tales of local history, with an emphasis on the Mexican Revolution. The most interesting tale is that of Elisa Griensen: during the Revolution, Pancho Villa's Army of the North was a militia of ranchers and horsemen who relentlessly attacked federal strongholds in Northern Mexico. Villa's cavalry would often hit a federal outpost and then ride over the border into the U.S., knowing the federales would respect the border and give up the chase. This tactic incensed the U.S. government and U.S. army cavalry units were stationed at Fort Bliss and other outposts to stop Villa. On one occasion, they chased Villa's men all the way to southern Chihuahua but were stopped in Parral when schoolteacher Elise Griensen led her pupils in a blockade to stop the U.S. Cavalry. A small tactical retreat for the cavalry, but it gave Villa time to escape and it catapulted Griensen to local fame where she became an icon of Mexican patriotism.

Daily 09:00 - 17:00

Catedral de Parral

Parral Cathedral, Templo Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

The original church was built in 1680, and although the cathedral looks like it might date from that period, it is actually a modern reconstruction built in the 1940s when the old church was damaged in a 1944 flood. The church features enormous twin bell towers that dwarf the main nave. The church features several stunning stained glass windows and a number of iconic statues and paintings, some rescued from the original church, others from the modern era. The church is a center of activity in early December when the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe takes place.

Mina la Prieta

Prieta Mine

Ride an elevator 100 meters below the surface to level 2 (out of 25) of the historic mine that began operations in 1629. Walk 250 meters into the level 2 tunnel, which was dug by hand in 1820. The mine produced gold, silver, lead and a variety of minerals. Period equipment is in various places around the site.

Daily 10:00 - 17:00·M$30 (adults), M$15 (kids)

Monumental Statue of Pancho Villa

Towering over nearby rooftops, an enormous monumental equestrian statue of General Villa stands guard at one end of the Revolution Pavilion, a plaza with colorful murals and open walkways. The monumental sculpture is the work of artist Julian Martinez, who unveiled the 7-meter high bronze statue of Villa astride his horse in 1981.

Museo Centauro del Norte

Centaur of the North Museum

The historic Hidalgo Hotel has been renovated and turned into this history museum about Mexican Revolution hero, Pancho Villa ("The Centaur of the North"). The museum's most notorious feature is an exhibit that re-creates with wax figures the assassination and subsequent wake of Pancho Villa.

Tue-Sun 10:00 - 17:00, closed Mon·M$20

Museo Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa Museum

Fun and fascinating museum about the life and death (mostly the death) of Francisco Villa, General of the Army of the North during the Mexican Revolution and later Governor of the state of Chihuahua. The flamboyant Villa and his colorful accomplishments make him a hero to many people in Northern Mexico, but there are also myriad stories of conspiracies against Villa, who had more than his share of enemies. They say it's not paranoia if somebody actually is out to get you, and Villa can sure attest to the truth of that since he was assassinated here in Parral when his enemies ambushed his car with a hail of gunfire. Guided tours available (with guides who dress as revolutionaries).

Daily 10:00 - 17:00

Palacio Alvarado

Grand townhouse that was built by a wealthy industrialist who made his fortune in mining, and was a friend of Pancho Villa. The home is beautifully maintained with spectacularly opulent period furnishings reflecting the Porfiriato era (particularly 1903). Large central courtyard with a glass dome. Many historical displays.

Tue-Sun 09:00 - 17:00, closed Mon·M$45 (adults), M$16 (students and senior citizens), Sunday free

Parroquia San José

St Joseph's Church

Imposing 17th century stone church with a very large single bell tower, exterior buttresses, and a stunning interior full of gold, crystal chandeliers, and religious artwork including statues in both interior and exterior niches.

Plaza Principal

The town square is an open plaza paved with brick with numerous iron park benches lining the walkways, most of which lead to a central kiosk (bandstand). Most trees are young so there's not a lot of shade (which might help explain why there's always an empty bench available).

Puerta del Tiempo

Gate of Time

The gates of the city is a small park with a huge contemporary sculpture representing "time". Built of a superstructure of industrial steel, two mesh faces point in opposite directions, conceptually representing past and future.

Teatro Hidalgo

Built as a monastery in the 17th century, the building was re-purposed as a theatre in the early 20th century. It occasionally hosts theatrical and other performing arts events.

Templo Expiatorio de Nuestra Señora del Rayo

Historic church that's taken more than its fair share of licks through its 400 year history. Established in 1661 as a hermitage dedicated to the Virgen del Rayo, the church was re-built in 1704. During the Mexican Revolution, it was burned down by Pancho Villa's troops and completely destroyed. Beginning in 1919, it was re-built as you see it today.