Queretaro

A treasure waiting to be discovered

Santiago de Querétaro, or simply Querétaro as it is commonly known, is a colonial city steeped in Mexican history. The Spanish took control of the city in 1531 and designated it the “third city of New Spain.” It was here that the leaders of Mexico’s Independence Movement met in secret to discuss the overthrow of their Spanish rulers.
Installed by the French in 1864, Emperor Maximilian surrendered here three years later in 1867 after a 100-day siege. He was subsequently executed by firing squad, on an order handed down by Benito Juárez.
Querétaro combines the past with the present, creating an incomparable mixture of history, culture, and tradition. The cobblestone streets of the historic center and the numerous temples and plazas contrast with the modern highways that provide access to the city. 

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The Historic Center of Querétaro, Downtown Querétaro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in colonial history and Mexican heritage. Its main plaza, Plaza de Armas, is surrounded by historic buildings like Casa de la Corregidora, which played a pivotal role in Mexico’s War of Independence. Charming alleyways lined with colorful colonial-era buildings lead to hidden courtyards, cafes, and shops. Querétaro’s historic center blends history and modernity, playing a key role in shaping Mexico’s national identity.

The Convent of the Holy Cross was erected on Sangremal Hill, which means ”bad blood.” Some 30 seminarians still study in the dark, austere cloisters. Stone and stucco interior patios are sparsely adorned with statues of the convent’s founding priests, and one is filled with what looked like an overgrown tumbleweed. The bush, cultivated by the convent’s first priests, grows thorns like a cross. The convent housed the first missionary college in the Americas and later became a fortress for the retreating Spanish army. Maximilian was jailed there until his execution.

Querétaro Aqueduct construction was the most important urban work of the eighteenth century. It was made possible by the economic contribution of Don Juan Antonio de Urrutia y Arana, Marqués de la Villa del Villar del Águila, who found a way to channel water to the city of Santiago de Querétaro.
At the time, supplying the vital liquid was one of the city’s most serious problems. Legend has it that Marques offered it as proof of love for a nun named Sister Marcela Nasturtium. The 74 pink stone arches measure 1,280 m in length, and their height reaches 23 m.

House of the Corregidora, nestled in downtown Querétaro, is a colonial gem steeped in Mexican history. Once the residence of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, its baroque façade and ornate balconies evoke its illustrious past. La Corregidora’s clandestine efforts within these walls were instrumental in sparking Mexico’s War of Independence. Today, the building serves as a poignant reminder of her bravery, housing government offices while preserving its historical significance for visitors to explore.

Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of the Bells) has great historical importance because it was the scene of the struggle between the Republic and the Empire. Austrian Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, Emperor of Mexico appointed by the Conservatives, was shot here by General Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía. This began the period known as the Restoration of the Republic.
Now the mountain has become a beautiful National Park with extensive green areas, playgrounds, an artificial lake, a theater, and a small museum called The Magic of the Past.

Peña de Bernal. With a height of 350 meters (1,148 ft), weighing 4,000,000 tons, and being 10,000,000 years old, this monolith, located in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro, is considered the world’s third-largest, after the Rock of Gibraltar in Spain and Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil.
At the foot of the rock lies Villa de Bernal, a Magical Town with beautiful portals, cobblestone streets with an irregular layout, taverns, restaurants, handicraft shops, traditional food stands, museums, and colorful houses.
In this picturesque town, craftsmen create wool blankets and ponchos used as protection against the wind from the Sierra Mountains. On the streets, visitors will find quince, guava, and peanut candies.

Lost in time, San Sebastián Bernal is a picturesque town at the foot of the Peña de Bernal monolith. Named a “Pueblo Mágico” in 2006, its charm lies in cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and 18th-century buildings. The name “Bernal” means “crag,” reflecting the town’s iconic peak. Visitors fall in love with its timeless atmosphere, filled with symbols, legends, and history. Known for its wool blankets, ponchos, and regional candies, San Sebastián Bernal offers a magical blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and artisanal craftsmanship.

Queretaro…Cheese and Wine.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Querétaro’s renowned wine and cheese region. Nestled in picturesque vineyards, enjoy exquisite sparkling wines crafted in the perfect semi-arid climate. The famous Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route invites you to tour charming vineyards and artisanal cheese farms, where you’ll savor creamy and aged cheeses that perfectly complement the local wines. This delightful blend of wine and cheese makes Querétaro a must-visit destination for gourmets and travelers seeking a unique and delicious adventure.