Sights and landmarks in Zacatecas

Sights and landmarks in Zacatecas

1. See

   Alameda Trinidad García de la Cadena

   A garden walk in the central city. During the month of April musicians play live music beginning in the early morning.

2. See

   Antigua Plaza de Toros San Pedro

   Quinta Real Zacatecas

   This former bull ring has been converted into a luxury hotel. Enjoy a walk around the ring, and if you feel like splurging a bit enjoy lunch or dinner at the Hotel's restaurant, which has a commanding view of the ring.

3. See

   Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas

   Catedral Basílica de la Asunción de María de Zacatecas

   One of the most beautiful examples of Churrigueresque arquitecture in Mexico. It is an elaborately carved red-stone (cantera) structure that was built between 1730 and 1760. It is flanked by two towers with an exuberant ornamentation and has a notable facade that was richly sculpted but its once decorated interior was looted during the civil wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its coupula was reconstructed in 1836 and imitates that one of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto in Mexico City.

   Mon-Sat 06:30-20:00 Sun 06:30-21:45

4. See

   Church of Santo Domingo

   Parroquia de Santo Domingo

   Built by the Jesuits between 1746 and 1749, this church has a beautiful Baroque facade. Splendid gold wood-carved altarpieces, all of them churrigueresque, as well as 18th-century Francisco Antonio Vallejo paintings that represent scenes of The Passion, can be found inside.

   09:00-17:00 daily

5. See

   Ex Templo de San Agustín

   Exconvento de San Augustín

   A former monastery from the 17th century. The main church is now used for conferences and cultural events; the monastery still houses the bishop's offices.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00

6. See

   Ex-Hacienda de Trancoso

   An impressive former hacienda that was charged with supplying the city of Zacatecas with meat and grain during the 18th century. Note that as of 2024 it is closed to the public and only visible from the outside.

7. See

   Fuente de los Faroles

   Fountain of Lanterns

   The centerpiece of a traffic roundabout is a beautifully ornate fountain with wrought iron lamp fixtures. Cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants, and colonial hotels attract tourists and locals alike. At night, the streets are softly lit, giving it the feeling of the late 19th century.

8. See

   La Quemada

   Archeological ruins of mysterious origin. There is an on-site museum that provides a panoramic view of the ruins.

   09:00-17:00 daily·M$70

9. See

   Mausoleo de las Personas Ilustres de Zacatecas

   Mausoleum of the Illustrious Persons of Zacatecas

   Nothing very exciting about this structure unless you are extremely interested in researching the history of the city, but since you are up there why not spend a few minutes here?

10. See

    Museo Francisco Goitia

    Showcases artworks of contemporary artists from the Zacatecas region.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-16:45·M$30

11. See

    Museo Pedro Coronel

    Located next to the "Santo Domingo" church, it houses a colonial-era library and a large eclectic collection of European, African, American, and Mexican art.

12. See

    Museo Rafael Coronel

    Ex Convento de San Francisco

    Set in a partially restored convent dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, this museum houses a large and diverse collection of masks drawn from several regions of Mexico and from other cultures around the world. Masks from different regions and eras are grouped together by themes and uses, including masks used in Carnival and in religious pageants, such as those commemorating the Reconquista. Particularly interesting is the alternate incorporation and subversion of pre-Hispanic symbols. The Diablo room is not to be missed. The museum is extensive and although most famous for its masks, it houses more than 16,000 other pieces of folk art (obviously not all on display). Portions of the convent grounds that could not be restored have been converted into a garden, with crumbling walls, standing arches and greenery. The museum was established by surrealist artist Rafael Coronel and does include some of the artist's works.

    M$30

13. See

    Museo Zacatecano

    Casa de Moneda

    A museum located across the street from San Augustín with exhibitions all about Zacatecas, notable residents and its long history. Of note is a large section of exhibits, crafts, and other artifacts belonging to the Huichol culture, whose members still maintain a pre-Columbian lifestyle in the mountains between Zacatecas and Nayarit.

    Wed-Mon 10:00-17:00·M$30

14. See

    Museo de la Toma de Zacatecas

    Houses weapons, documents, photos, and other artifacts relating to this decisive battle of the Mexican Revolution. The Battle of Zacatecas took place on June 23, 1914 when the Division del Norte under the command of Pancho Villa won a decisive victory over the federal army led by General Luis Medina Barrón. The battle led to the resignation of President Huerta.

    Adults M$12, children free

15. See

    Museum of Guadalupe

    Museo de Guadalupe

    Occupies the Franciscan monastery from which missionaries were sent out to Christianize the inhabitants of Texas, New Mexico, and California – it was the mother of the Spanish missions in the United States. Much of the old monastery is a museum of colonial religious art, paintings by Indians trained in the European tradition. The paintings are amazing, and the architecture of the cloisters, the church and the Capilla de Napoli is unforgettable.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00·M$65

16. See

    Museum of Modern Art Manuel Felguerez

    Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez

    One of the best museums in Zacatecas. The large building, which once housed a Seminar and later a prison, now houses a large collection of Abstract paintings and Sculptures. The museum was restored in a minimalistic aesthetic, complementing the more than 100 works by Felguérez as well as works by more than 110 other artists from around the world. The room housing the murals that Felguérez made for the Mexican Pavilion at the Osaka World's Exhibition of 1970 is breathtaking and one of the highlights of the Museum's collection.

    Wed-Mon 10:00-17:00

17. See

    Plaza de Armas

    The square beside the Cathedral, interesting murals inside the government buildings, such as the Palacio de Gobierno.

18. See

    Sierra de Alica Park

    Parque General Enrique Estrada

    Beautiful park beside the aqueduct and the Templo de Fátima. Contains a beautiful fountain, a band stand and a number of places to sit and relax or have an enjoyable stroll.

19. See

    Templo de Fátima

    Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima

    Impressive neo-gothic temple located on a hill above the Sierra de Alica Park.

20. See

    View from the summit of la Bufa

    You can hike to the summit of la Bufa, which is indicated by the very large cross. It is not too hard to get to, and the route is fairly obvious. It becomes a bit of a scramble towards the top, and be careful coming down. The view is amazing.

21. See

    Zacatecas Aqueduct

    Acueducto Del Cubo

    Constructed more than 250 years ago, the aqueduct runs through the heart of the city.

22. See

    Jardín Juárez

    Beautiful small park beside a lovely square.

23. See

    Museo Comunitario de Zóquite

    Museo Ecoturistico

    Showcases Pleistocene megafauna fossils from the region.

24. See

    Shrine of Our Lady of Patronage

    Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio

    Built in 1728.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00 Sun 07:00-18:00

25. See

    State Congress building

    Congreso del Estado

    A church that now houses the Zacatecas state legislature.

26. See

    Statues of Pancho Villa and his Lieutenants

27. See

    Teatro Calderón

    Impressive facade.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Zacatecas (CC BY-SA 4.0).