We all know Europe for the paved streets, old city celebrities and rising cathedrals built in a time when architectural beauty still mattered – but we often forget that there are fragments of the old continent hereOn our side of the pond.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to fly a red eyes of 8 am to record all that historic charm: A simple journey south of the border will do it.
One of the best preserved colonial cities that exist, San Cristóbal de las Casas Is currently drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists, and if you think that the only thing that Mexico has to offer is beaches and luxury all-inclusion, you can be a surprise:
80% increase in tourism this year
Tucked away in the highlands of the domestic state of Chiapas, in South -Mexico, San Cristóbal de Las Casas is one of those places that can easily be described as cuts from a story book. It is no wonder it has been seen no more than 80% increase in tourism levels This summer:
Founded by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, and since then hardly any changes, it is a hilly city that is crossed by paved lanes and strewn with pastel -colored low houses with red -section roofs. You know, exactly as you would find them somewhere in Spain.
A walk on San Cristóbal’s Compact, but culture-loading center Feels like you are being transported back to South EuropeWith the baroque churches, photo-perfect squares flanked by arcade buildings and the quirky cafés.
However, if there is one place where the European of all this is the most visible, it is a striking yellow-and-red San Cristóbal Cathedral, which turret the lush bushes of Torent Parque Central.
Colonial sights in abundance
The construction of this monument began Completely back in 1528And the Spaniards have not saved any money to make sure it felt like the graceful churches they had at home, adding extensive reliefs and gilded altarpieces.
The cathedral is not only the religious monument of San Cristóbal with a remarkable background:
Briefly built in the 16th century, the Templo de Santo Domingo a small Dominican church is distinguished by her pink-stone facadeAnd accompanying monastery, although it no longer functions as one. Instead of nuns it houses a traditional market.
By the way, it is a great place to buy souvenirs and crafts.
Located on the top of a staircase, east of the center, Iglesia de Guadalupe is another must-see for culture lovers, as is Iglesia de San Cristóbalitoexactly opposite, on a hill in the west, and one of the first churches Built in the former colony.
Old churches are cool, but they are not everything there is.
A remaining part of the once extensive city walls, Arco del Carmen was built in the 17th century in a combination of baroque and mudéjar styles.
A short 10 -minute walk from the bow, you will also reach Andador Eclesiástico, one Elegant pedestrian street Covered with boutique shops and art galleries.
Incredible museums
If you like museums – and if you are a europhile, we suspect that you – there are dozens of fascinating exhibitions that are visited in the city.
The Amber Museum, for example, is located in a former monastery and it shows a number of impressive Chiapas Colonial era Jewelry.
Meanwhile the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (in the former monastery of Santo Domingo) is the home of beautiful Maya -Textile pieces.
However, our personal favorite is Casa after Bolom, The House of Danish explorer Frans Blom. Unlike being almost precisely maintained as it was originally, it now offers a museum for a museum dedicated to the Maya culture and a quiet landscaped garden.
How safe is the city?
Last but not least, you might wonder how safe San Cristóbal is to visit, since Chiapas is mentioned under the travel advice of the US Department of Foreign Affairs as a destination on level 3. In other words, Americans are that cheated of visits.
Although it is true, the state has higher crime and gang activity than Yucatán, for example, is San Cristóbal generally considered safe For American tourists.
It is primarily a cultural destination, and there is a noticeable presence on the police in the historic center, which usually discourages criminals to operate in the area. Violent crime is almost a non-issue, while pickpocker can be widespread, especially in the densely concentrated city center.
As long as you have generally known safety practices For traveling in Mexico, such as avoiding the suburbs, waiting for displaying unnecessary signs of wealth and sticking to well -lit streets at night, it is very likely that things are going well.
What else to know before you visit
- For street foodlook out Mercado ViejoIn the heart of the historic center: there are several stalls that sell Chiapas Coffee, the local, traditional cocoaand regional delicacies
- Desire Chiapaneco -kitchen In a no-frills environment? Make sure you check out Tierra Y Cielo (And get their chef d’œuvre green ceviche from sea bass and dried shrimp.
- A short drive away from the city, Orquídeas Moxviquil is a quiet nature reserve with winding paths, covered with orchids and bromelias, and dotted with idyllic ponds
- Looking for a place to stay? Hotel Plaza Magnolias is located in the middle, within walking distance of various orientation points, and overnight percentages there on average $ 50 per night
- Go to San Cristóbal, The nearest airport Is Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ), 50 minutes’ drive from the city (currently only domestic flights is organizing)
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
