From Mexico City by rail via Felipe Pescador in about 26 hours; by bus: in about 17 hours.
Situated on an eastern spur of the Sierra Madre Occidental the city of Durango (de Victoria) overlooks the very attractive and fertile Guadiana valley. It has a dry pleasant climate and an unmistakable Old Spanish air. Durango is an important commercial and industrial centre, involved mainly in processing local products.
History
The first settlement, unofficially called San Juan de Analco, was founded here in 1556 by Pater Diego de la Cadena.
In 1563 it was officially named Durango by Francisco de Ibarra and Alonso Pacheco, but as late as the 18th c. it was still generally known as Villa de Guadiana. As a far-flung Spanish outpost frequented mainly by prospectors the town was long prone to attack by Indians, the Tepehuano especially. Peace was eventually secured in the 17th c. Durango's elevation to bishopric brought a considerable flowering culturally, but in the 19th c. the city suffered through economic stagnation. It is only in recent decades prosperity has returned.
This 18th c. Baroque house was originally owned by Conde Juan José del Campo Soberón y Larrea.
Address: Museo de Culturas Populares, Calle Juárez, #302, Durango, Durango , Mexico
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5), Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21), Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5), Mexico National Day (September 1), Mexican Independence Day (September 16), Mexican Revolution Day (November 20), Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The 200 m (656 ft) high Cerro del Mercado, a hill to the north of the city, consists almost entirely of iron ore (haematite). Although this was well-known to the 16th c. conquistadors, mining only began in 1828. Recently more than 300 tonnes a day have been extracted, despite which reserves are estimated to be sufficient for another 100 years.
The tranquil city has few architectural highlights to lure the tourist. The fine cathedral on the main square (Zócalo) was built between 1695 and 1777 and so reflects the development of Mexican Baroque in that period. Of interest too are the Baroque Jesuit church of Sagrario and the Casa del Conde de Suchil, the latter being not only the one-time residence of the Count of Suchil but the local headquarters of the Inquisition as well.
As well as archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, the Museo de Antropología e Historia "El Aguacate" (Victoria 100 Sur) has collections of art from the colonial period and folk art. Another museum, the Colección de Minería (Casa del Cuerno), is primarily devoted to minerals, including gold, silver and other metals. There is also a gigantic mammoth tooth.
Address: Palacio de Gobierno, Avenida 5 de Febrero, Durango, Durango 34009, Mexico
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5), Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21), Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5), Mexico National Day (September 1), Mexican Independence Day (September 16), Mexican Revolution Day (November 20), Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
This museum houses work from people within the state including textiles and pottery.
Address: Museo de Culturas Populares, Calle Juárez, #302, Durango, Durango , Mexico
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Mexican Constitution Day (Día de la Constititución) (February 5), Mexico - Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21), Mexico - Battle of Pueblo Day (May 5), Mexico National Day (September 1), Mexican Independence Day (September 16), Mexican Revolution Day (November 20), Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The 320km/199mi drive on the MEX 40 from Durango via El Salto to Mazatlán passes through magnificent scenery. Some stretches of the route, winding through rugged mountain country, are very tortuous and it is advisable to enquire about road conditions before setting out. The journey can also be made part way by train, as far as El Salto.
Through the mountains and into the forest there is beautiful scenery to be taken in. There are also cabins available for rent in El Tecuán Nature Park.
Address: Parque Natural El Tecuán, Durango, Durango , Mexico
Film fans should head for one of the many filming locations near by used for shooting westerns. They are found beside the MEX 45 northbound, near the 12 kilometre mark, and incorporate part of the village of Chupadores. Villa del Oeste is another screen set, with a saloon, church and cemetery.
Durango makes a good base for visiting the several thermal baths in the vicinity. These have a high iron and sulphur content and include e.g. Navacoyan and El Saltito.
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Durango Cathedral, Durango
Durango Cathedral, Durango
Durango Cathedral, Durango
Durango
