History, culture and religion, hand in hand
The city of Querétaro was one of the main viceregal cities of the Mexican Bajío. In every corner and corner of its Historic Center, the footprint left by the various Hispanic congregations and rulers during the colonial years prevails.
Visiting the churches in the first square of the city has become a tourist attraction. They are buildings that have left an architectural and cultural testimony for subsequent generations.
Here are some of the must-see churches in the Historic Center of Querétaro:
Temple of Santa Clara
On Francisco I. Madero street, on the corner with Ignacio Allende, one of the most impressive architectural works of the entity is located. The Temple of Santa Clara was built by one of the founders of Querétaro, Fernando de Tapia, better known by his indigenous name 'Conin', whose huge statue welcomes travelers and is part of the state's flagship landscape. Legend has it that she did it so that her granddaughter could be part of the congregation of Clarissa nuns.
On its architecture, the baroque gold altarpieces that adorn the interior of the religious enclosure stand out, an obligatory detail to admire when visiting Querétaro. Nearby are the Fuente de Neptuno, the Guerrero Garden and the Rosalío Solano Cinematheque.
Santa Rosa de Viterbo
Considered one of the most important architectural works in the city, the Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo is the jewel of the Plaza Mariano de las Casas. The surroundings of this 18th-century building are always appreciated by its visitors; cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area have a privileged place to admire the Arab-style facade of the site.
Inside the church, it is possible to appreciate the pulpit, made with wood, precious stones, ivory, silver, and tortoiseshell. Its interior is an attraction for travelers that Querétaro has offered for centuries.
Temple of the Cross
It is impossible to talk about the founding of Querétaro without referring to the Cerro del Sangremal. In that historic place is located the Templo de La Cruz, a symbol of the union between the original settlers and the Iberian conquerors. On the main altar is the quarry replica of the cross that, according to legend, was glimpsed in the Querétaro sky and served to seal the conquest of this land.
The La Cruz neighborhood is one of the oldest in Querétaro, and the gastronomic, cultural, and commercial offerings of the area are unique in the city. Just a few meters away is the statue of Santiago Apóstol, patron saint of the entity, the Enclosure in Honor of the Illustrious People of Querétaro, and the Mirador de Los Arcos.
Querétaro is a city that captivates its visitors with its architecture; the pink quarry stone shapes a spectacle that preserves the stories of a people with a tradition and magic that are incomparable in Mexico. If you visit the Creative Metropolis, you cannot miss its churches, which have been privileged witnesses of the rich history of Querétaro.
A tour of the workshops of Villa Progreso, where the craftsmanship of ixtle and ceramics reveals the tradition and talent of its artisans.
Bodegas Vaivén is a vineyard that is clear about its concept; balance and equilibrium are a fundamental part of its philosophy. Visit it and experience everything about wine in the Querétaro semi-desert.
The Hotel Villa Mexicana is a space full of elegance and good service. Its exclusivity is one of its main characteristics. It is an environment in which business tourism can enjoy signature spaces in a typical Mexican hacienda environment.
