| The capital of the state of Hidalgo,
Pachuca (elevation: 2,426 meters) has a mix of cultural influences.
Pay attention to the legacy of miners from Cornwall,
England during the early 19th century. Their most visible impact
lies not only in the architecture, but also the pastries (pastes)
which have become popular throughout the region.
HISTORY
The city was founded in 1598 and its name is said
to come from the word Patlachiuhacan, meaning 'place of gold and
silver.'
NATURAL WORLD
Outside the city is El
Chico, Mexico's first national forest reserve.
CULTURAL WORLD
The Reloj Monumental (Monumental Clock) is the central
clock tower, built in 1904 in the city center. The bell which chimes
in this clock was made by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the same
company that made the original Liberty Bell, and London's famous
Big Ben.
The Centro Cultural Hidalgo (Hidalgo Cultural Center)
is housed in an old monastery and contains museums, a theater, a
library and a gallery. Pachuca is also home to the Museo Nacional
de la Fotografía, the National Museum of Mexican Photography.
FOOD
Pachuca is famous for its pastes, empanadas filled
with meat, potatoes or fruit. This treat reflects a Cornish pasty
culinary Mexicanized with mole and chiles.
SPORTS
Club de Futbol Pachuca
is based here. Cornish miners from the Compañia Real del
Monte de Pachuca founded the team in 1901. This is the oldest soccer
team in Mexico and for that reason Pachuca is known as the 'cradle
of soccer' in Mexico.
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