Introduction

Zacatecas has been called “the city with the pink stone face and silver heart.” Elegant, almost regal, and a true colonial gem, the capital of Zacatecas state is one of Mexico’s most photogenic cities and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Nestled among steep hills, Zacatecas has an air of being far removed from the everyday world. And while it has been the site of epic events, it is much more than a historical reference; it is an inexhaustible source of colonial, archaeological, cultural and natural attractions. Beautifully preserved pink stone buildings adorned with delicate wrought iron balconies line a labyrinth of spotless narrow streets that twist and turn through the city. Its architectural splendor and graceful urban layout have successfully preserved the city’s grandeur.

One of Mexico’s highest cities at more than 8,000 feet, or nearly 2,500 meters, above sea level, it has an average annual temperature of 64°F/18°C. The sun burns or warms, depending on the time of day and season of the year. This semi-arid area fascinated the Spanish conquistadors, who were lured by the promise of rich silver deposits. They scrutinized the land’s core, seeking to exploit the veins, and in 1546 founded between the skirts of two hills the city that silver fever would convert into a colonial jewel.

In more modern times, Zacatecas went into decline with the fall in silver production. In fact, for years the state’s main source of revenue has derived from remittances from Zacatecans who have headed north in search of work in the US. But within the last 15 years or so, Zacatecas has been “rediscovered,” flourishing as a tourist destination and even becoming one of Mexico’s top producers of silver again.