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Exploring Chihuahua City
by Ron Mader
MEXICO
-- Chihuahua City (elevation: 1,430 meters) functions as the travel
hub for those coming from or going to the Copper
Canyon.
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Located at the junction of the Chiviscar and Sacramento rivers,
the city is surrounded by mountains on a high desert plain. Its
stately stone buildings, such as the Palacio de Gobierno on Calle
Aldama and its broad plazas resemble cities on both sides of the
U.S.–Mexico border. Today, the city is as friendly as it is
easy-going.
Don't pass up the opportunity to look at its storied past before
you head on to the mountains.
In October, Chihuahua holds its state fair and agricultural exhibition.
Like state fairs in the United States, there are rodeos, rides,
concerts and a great vibe. Inquire at the tourist office about timely
events.
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PUBLIC SPACES
The main square, the Plaza de Armas, boasts fancy kiosks and statues
imported from Europe. The baroque cathedral was completed in 1826
and has twin 130-foot-high bell towers and an intricate Churrigueresque
facade. In the basement is a small museum which exhibits 18th-century
religious paintings.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Pancho Villa was a prominent historical figure in the region, and
chose to settle down in Chihuahua at the beginning of the century.
His stately residence, Quinta Luz has been transformed into the
Museum of the Mexican Revolution.
The rooms have the original furniture from the early 1920s. Exhibits
include period photos, many of Villa's personal weapons, and the
1922 Dodge in which he was shot and killed in 1923, complete with
bullet holes. The museum is located at Calle 10 #3014 and is open
Tuesday to Sunday.
The Regional Museum of the State of Chihuahua, Paseo Bolívar
#4, offers another good history lesson. The exhibits change on a
frequent basis, but the house itself is the main attraction, built
in 1910 as a replica of a French neoclassical mansion. The museum
is open Tuesday through Sunday.
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ARTESANIA
Local markets
include the Mercado de Artesanías (Aldama #519), Artesanías
y Macetas en Barro (Díaz Ordaz #415), Artesanías y
Gemas Naturales de México (Calle 10a #3015), and the Palacio
de Artesanías Mexicanas (Victoria #319).
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VISITING?
LOCATION -- Chihuahua City is located in the state of Chihuahua.
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TRANSPORTATION -- Chihuahua is well-connected
via train, plane and long-distance bus. The airport is 18 kilometers
(10 miles) northeast of town off of Highway 15. The bus terminal
is 8 kilometers (6 miles) from downtown on Avenida Juan Pablo 2.
There is frequent service to and from Ciudad Juárez, Durango,
Torreón and express trips to and from Mexico City (20 hours).
INFORMATION PLEASE -- The tourism
office is located on the ground floor of the Palacio de Gobierno.
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