Everyone knows Europe for the cobbled streets, historic city squares, and hovering cathedrals constructed at a time when architectural magnificence nonetheless mattered―however oftentimes, we neglect there are fragments of the Previous Continent proper right here, on our aspect of the pond.
Consider it or not, you do not have to fly an 8–10-hour red-eye to absorb all that historic allure: a easy journey south of the border will do.
Among the best-preserved colonial cities in existence, San Cristóbal de Las Casas is drawing in a whole lot of 1000’s of vacationers proper now, and if you happen to suppose all that Mexico has to supply is seashores and luxurious all-inclusives, you may be in for a shock with this one:
80% Enhance In Tourism This 12 months
Tucked away within the highlands of the inland state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico, San Cristóbal de las Casas is a kind of locations that might simply be described as being cropped out of a storybook. It is no marvel it is seen a whopping 80% increase in tourism ranges this summer season:
Based by Spanish settlers within the sixteenth century, and barely modified ever since, it’s a hilly city criss-crossed by cobbled lanes and dotted with pastel-colored low homes with red-tiled roofs. You understand, precisely as you’d discover them someplace in Spain.
A stroll round San Cristóbal’s compact, however culture-loaded heart looks like being transported again to Southern Europe, with the Baroque church buildings, picture-perfect plazas flanked by arcaded buildings, and the quirky cafés.
Nevertheless, if there’s one spot the place the European-ness of all of it is most seen, that is a placing yellow-and-red San Cristóbal Cathedral, which towers over the plush bushes of Parque Central.
Colonial Landmarks Galore
Building on this monument started all the best way again in 1528, and the Spanish spared no funds in ensuring it felt just like the ornate church buildings they’d again at dwelling, including elaborate reliefs and gilded altarpieces.
The cathedral will not be solely San Cristóbal’s non secular landmark with a noteworthy background:
Equally constructed within the sixteenth century, the Templo de Santo Domingo is a minor Dominican church distinguished by its pink-stone facade, and accompanying convent, although it not capabilities as one. As an alternative of nuns, it homes an artisan market.
It is an amazing spot for purchasing souvenirs and crafts, by the best way.
Positioned on the prime of a staircase, east of the middle, Iglesia de Guadalupe is yet one more must-see for tradition buffs, as is Iglesia de San Cristóbalito, precisely reverse, on a hill to the west, and one of many earliest church buildings constructed within the former colony.
Previous church buildings are cool, however they are not all that there’s to it.
A surviving a part of the once-extensive metropolis partitions, Arco del Carmen was constructed within the seventeenth century in a mixture of Baroque and Mudéjar kinds.
A brief 10-minute stroll from the arch, you will additionally attain Andador Eclesiástico, an elegant pedestrianized avenue lined with boutique outlets and artwork galleries.
Unbelievable Museums
Should you’re into museums―and if you happen to’re an Europhile, we suspect you might be―there are dozens of fascinating displays to be visited round city.
The Amber Museum, for example, is situated inside a former convent, and it shows numerous Chiapas’ most spectacular colonial-era jewellery.
In the meantime, the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (inside the previous convent of Santo Domingo) is dwelling to attractive Mayan textile items.
Our private favourite, nonetheless, is Casa Na Bolom, the house of Danish explorer Frans Blom. Apart from being maintained virtually precisely because it was initially, it now accommodates a museum devoted to Mayan tradition and a peaceable landscaped backyard.
How Secure Is The City?
Final however not least, chances are you’ll be questioning how secure San Cristóbal is to go to, contemplating Chiapas is listed underneath the U.S. State Division’s Journey Advisory as a Degree 3 vacation spot. In different phrases, People are discouraged from visiting.
Whereas it is true the state has increased charges of criminality and gang exercise than, say, Yucatán, San Cristóbal is usually thought-about secure for American vacationers.
It is primarily a cultural vacation spot, and there’s a noticeable police presence within the Historic Middle, which generally discourages criminals from working within the space. Violent crime is sort of a non-issue, whereas pickpocketing will be rife, significantly within the densely concentrated Downtown.
Nevertheless, so long as you adhere to widely-known security practices for touring in Mexico, corresponding to avoiding the suburbs, refraining from displaying pointless indicators of wealth, and sticking to well-lit streets at evening, it is extremely possible you will be simply fantastic.
What Else To Know Earlier than Visiting
- For avenue meals, take a look at Mercado Viejo, within the coronary heart of the Historic Middle: there are a number of stalls promoting Chiapas espresso, the native, conventional cacao, and regional delicacies
- Craving Chiapaneco delicacies in a no-frills atmosphere? Be sure you take a look at Tierra y Cielo (and get their chef-d’œuvre inexperienced ceviche of seabass and dried shrimp.
- A brief drive away from city, Orquídeas Moxviquil is a tranquil nature reserve that includes winding trails, lined with orchids and bromeliads, and dotted with idyllic ponds
- In search of a spot to remain? Lodge Plaza Magnolias is located within the very heart, inside strolling distance of a number of landmarks, and in a single day charges there common $50-a-night
- Attending to San Cristóbal, the closest airport is Tuxtla Gutiérrez Worldwide Airport (TGZ), a 50-minute drive from city (for the time being, it solely hosts home flights)
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