Added: 01/10/2006 |
Jalpan, Tancoyol, Landa - the most exquisite examples of baroque architectureQueretaro is one of Mexico's most prized colonial jewels. The main square is the recommended starting point for a walking expedition. Queretaro State is located in the central part of Mexico. Its beautiful and diverse surroundings of mountain ranges, hills, caverns and lush valleys ideal for ecotourism and adventure sports blend perfectly with the city's historical, cultural, archaeological and natural attractions. Few states in Mexico offer as many varied activities as Queretaro. The state is rich in history, evidenced by the striking baroque architecture found in many of its towns and cities.
The city's colorful historic center is adorned with baroque churches, temples and mansions showcasing graceful balconies and elaborate facades, and is surrounded by charming plazas with stunning fountains and statues. As the capital of the state of Queretaro, the city has 850,000 residents and stands as an important crossroads in Mexican history. Several sites in the city's historic center are representative of its past and traditions.
Cuisine is another major attraction in Queretaro State. The region offers top-notch dining at its leading hotels, offering Mexican nouvelle cuisine. A trip to Queretaro wouldn't be complete without a visit to its historic Franciscan missions, near Queretaro City.
About a three-hour drive from Queretaro City, the missions of Jalpan, Tancoyol, Landa, Tilaco and Conca are the most exquisite examples of baroque ecclesiastical architecture in Mexico, combining Spanish and Indian cultural references. Landa comes from the Chichimeca word Lan-ha, which means watery a swam ply place. Landa is found in the northern part of the state.
Landa was founded in the 17th century by a tribe of Tarascans from the neighboring state of Michoacan who were emigrating north.The City celebrates one of its most import holidays, honoring the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, on December 8th. Typical Food of this part of the state includes cecina or salted, dried beef, acamaya-a type of crawfish, enchiladas borrachas or huastecas with dried beef, pulque bread and zacahuitl-a large, tasty tamal. In Acatitlan de Zaragoza Rustic furniture comes out of the forested Agua Zarca area, as well as guitars made of red and white cedar, walnut and other types of wood.
The breathtaking Sierra Gorda mountains are the perfect backdrop for the dramatic missions, making this route an unforgettable journey into the mystic traditions of colonial Mexico.
Queretaro is one of Mexico's most prized colonial jewels, located two and a half hours by car north of Mexico City. The city's colorful historic center is adorned with baroque churches, temples and mansions showcasing graceful balconies and elaborate facades, and is surrounded by charming plazas with stunning fountains and statues. The main square, with beautiful buildings and interesting legends, is the recommended starting point for a walking expedition. Most of the city's baroque buildings are concentrated in this area, along with the San Agustin Monastery that now serves as the Museum of Art; and the Convent of San Francisco, that houses the Regional Museum of Queretaro.
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