San Luis Potosi
We drive today under a grey sky and through a monotonous road to San Luis Potosi.
This city was founded by the Huachcichiles indians, won by the spaniards and later by the Franciscans in 1859.
In 1592, a huge quantity of gold and silver was found. Therefore, the city was named "Real de minas de San Luis Potosi".
Luis has been choosen to honour the king Saint Louis, and Potosi refering to the bolivian silver city meaning " place of great wealth"
As in all other mining towns, indians were subjected and sent to the mines, working in the poorest conditions. Always the same story !
We're now used to drive in big cities : we try to take only the big avenues to join the historical town center.
Today we park along a huge square where we have our camper hand washed.
It really needs it.
We spend the afternoon in this non-charming town which however has nice monuments.
Catedral : This three-nave baroque cathedral was built between 1660 and 1730.
Its northern tower was added in the 20th century.
The marble apostles on the facade are replicas of statues in Rome's St Peter's Basilica.
Templo San Francisco : It's a baroque church. The altar was remodeled in the 20th century. It houses XVIIIth century paintings.
Museo regional Potosino . The museum was originally part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1590. It has exhibits on pre-hispanic Mexico. Upstairs, is the lavish Capilla de Aranzazu, an elaborate private chapel constructed in the mid-18th century in Churrigueresque style.
Templo del Carmen : On the vividly carved stone facade, hovering angels show the touch of indigenous artisans.The Camarin de la Virgen has spendid golden altar.
After our town-tour, we find our camper looking like new. Even the tires have been wax-polished...
Pivoter pour une meilleure lecture
Aguascalientes
We liked the atmosphere of this town.
Very often ignored by the guidebooks, it houses quite a few colonial buildings constructed between the 16th and 18th century in a baroque style.
On the Spaniards arrival, the Aguascalientes territory has been absorbed in a region called "Nueva Galicia".
A small garrison was founded here in 1575 to protect Zacatecas-Mexico City silver convoys. Today, the city's industry include textile, wine, brandy, leather, preserved fruits and car manufacturing.
During two days we explore the little streets and plazas and enjoy it.
It's week-end, most of the shop are however open and mexicans wander the streets and parks after having been to church for the office ( that occurs every hour from 7 am to 5 pm!)
Everywhere you can find street vendors selling ice-cream, toys, drinks, tacos, fruits, sim cards etc...
Catedral : The well restored 18th century baroque cathedral is more magnificient inside than out. Over the altar is a painting of " the Virgin of Guadalupe" by Miguel Cabrerra.
As it's saturday, weddings are numerous ...
Palacio de Gobierno : This red-pink stone palace is Aguascalientes most noteworthy colonial building. It dates from 1665 and has a striking courtyard with a mural of the 1914 Convention by the chilean artist Osvalso Barra.
We loved it.
Museo nacional de la muerte : In this XVIIth century cloister, is an exhibition of all things relating to Mexico's favorite subjet : death.
There are more than 2500 artefacts, drawings, litterature, textiles, toys and miniatures. An experience not to be missed.
Templo de San Antonio : It's a crazy quilt of architectural styles built around 1900.
The interior is highly ornate, with huge round paintings and intricate decoration highlighted in gold.
We assist to one of the offices.
As in most mexican cities, some museums are closed or under renovation.. It's sometimes frustrating !
Guadalupe / La Quemada
We're learned not to follow our GPS instructions in mexican cities.
The streets are mostly one way road and our GPS ignores this detail !!!
Their name is usually hidden and we both have to be vigilant : Driving with all these " Alto " (stop) and " Tope " (speed bumps) is stressfull.
The suspensions and breaks of the camper suffer and ...so do we ...
The traffic down town is very sporty and we have to be carefull with other cars, buses that drive like mad and the huge lorries...There are no driving rules !!
We only drive 7 km to " Guadalupe " to find the " Museo Virreinal de Guadalupe
This museum of an extraordinary beauty, stands in an old franciscan school, where the religious were trained to spread their faith .
Founded in 1707, it was used until 1859 and abondonned until 1953.
In 1939, the bulding was converted into a museum : 27 rooms display huge religious paintings from the XVIII and XIX century.
Each of this paintings came with explanations giving details on its composition.
The church next door has a golden decorated chapel " Capilla de Napoles "
In the afternoon, we drive 45 km to " La Quemada "
This archeologic site, unique, in a cactus tree desert, has got mysterious and impressive ruins.
The exact history of the site is extremely vague.
One theory is that it was where the Aztecs halted during their legendary wanderings towards the valley of Mexico.
What is known for sure is that the constructions were destroyed by fire, and thus they came to be called " La Quemada " (meaning burned city)
The museum is closed since 2014...too bad
ROAD BOOK 040
MAVROS ODYSSEE
