Mexico Adventure

Your Mexico Information Connection

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Colonial Cities

With the majority of Mexico's visitors coming to enjoy her stunning beaches and fun-in-the-sun vacations, the historic interior of this amazing country is often over-looked, and that is a shame.  To experience the true Mexico, not just the commercialized resort areas, travelers should make a point of exploring some of Mexico's colonial cities and strolling through these examples of three centuries of European rule.

Spanish rule of Mexico began in 1521, following Cortez' conquest of the Aztec empire.  During these years, Spain converted Mexico into a mirror image of the mother country, transporting European architecture, ideas, religion  and social systems to Mexico and converting her indigenous peoples to a European way of life.   Remnants of Spanish domination still stand to this day and can be found in literally hundreds of towns and villages; Mexico is rich in Spanish colonial architecture, fine art, museums and churches (the Catholic Church built over 1200 churches and cathedrals during this 300 year period).

Colonial towns and cities can be found throughout Mexico, including in some resort areas, but the majority are found in five zones:

 

Central Mexico

This zone includes Mexico City and Guadalajara, Guanajunato, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia, Pueblo, Taxco and Queretaro.

Oaxaca State

The City of Oaxaca should not be missed; the Valley of Oaxaca is dotted with dozens of colonial-era villages.

 

Tabasco and Chiapas States

Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla-Gutierrez are located in these southern states.

 

Yucatan Peninsula

Campeche and the Yucatan States were once important colonial outposts, and the cities of Merida and Valladolid are charming colonial monuments.  

 

Veracruz State

Not as popular as other States, this tropical port of Veracruz is not far from several colonial hamlets, including Jalapa and Corodoba.