MAGIC TOWN: SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

San Cristobal de las Casas

One of the Best places to visit in Mexico.

It just 82 kilometers separated from Tuxtla Gutierrez .

At the heart of the Highlands, we find San Cristobal de las Casas Magic Town. Was founded on March 31, 1528. It was de colonial capital of Chiapas, and its historic center is monumental.

It is a region largely populated by the Tsotsil and Tzeltal, whose traditions and handicrafts imprint this high mountainous area with a colorful and unique personality.

The highlights are the main Plaza, the former Covent of Santo Domingo and the craft market. You cannot miss the Templo del Carmen, the Chapel of San Cristobal and the Temple la Merced, Amber Museum and the Center of Textiles of the Mayan World.

The main Plaza

During the colonial area, the main square served as a center for civic activities and the market. Its fountain also provided local inhabitants with water. Today, the square is surrounded by buildings housing, the civic and religious authorities, together with arcades and their small business.

Ex Convent of Santo Domingo

In San Cristobal de las Casas Magic Town you must visit the Ex Convent of Santo Domingo. The first stone of the church was laid in 1547.

The Ex Convent of Santo Domingo is one of the most important Baroque works in the region.

The interior of the church houses a striking pulpit, carved in golden wood with a one-piece pedestal, as well as a beautiful collection of eight wooden baroque altarpieces made between the 16th and 17th centuries, some adorned with well-preserved paintings and sculptures of quilt wood and polychrome, of the Virgin of the Rosary and Holy Trinity.

Temple del Carmen

Characterized by its L-Shaped Layout the El Carmen church looks on to a delightful square. The church was built during de XVII century. Its pilasters characterize the former, while its counterpart exhibits the façade-altarpiece layout. Perhaps the main feature of the church is the archway leading to the convent porter’s quarters, while its passage, choir and belltower make it unique Mexican construction.

Temple de la Merced and Amber Museum

La Merced was the first convent founded in San Cristobal de las Casas Magic Town in 1537. The convent was once the municipal jailhouse and now is occupied by the Amber Museum. A belfry completes the structure, while its interior still conserves fine examples of colonial religious art.

From San Cristobal, it is possible to undertake trips through communities to see high quality textiles, ceremonies and rituals and colonial churches, to discover geological wonders of caves and nature arches, surrounded by the forests and crops.

There are many thing to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas Magic Town. Discover them.

Click here, and check our tours in Chiapas.

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