San Juan del Rio Attractions
San Juan del Río (1980 m (6498 ft); population 100,000), a centre of wickerwork and wooden furniture-making, lies 55km/34mi south-east on the MEX 57D.
Bridge of the History
Built in the 18th c. this stone bridge stands above the San Juan River and was designed by Pedro de Arrieta.
Calvary's Temple
The current structure was built around the early 18th c. replaced the original which was built in the 17thc. and then demolished.
De la Llave Exproperty
Open to tourists this area belongs to the National Defense. However some areas are for army personnel only.
Handicrafts Market
The market in San Juan offers a variety of objects, including ceramics, pottery, etc., from all over Querétaro.
Independence Square
This square is in the center of the town and features a column adorned by an eagle. The original eagle was destroyed by lightning in 1890 and was not replaced until 1981.
Jesus of the Porter Lodge
Once a hospital this temple became a temple due to the image of Jesus that the sick and imprisoned patient Evaristo Olvera had drawn on a wall and which would constantly reappear when erased. After the building became a temple, Evarsito Olvera was given freedom.
Lodge of Beatified Third Sisters
Constructed in 1670 to help young and poor girls get educated, this lodge originally named Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Niñas Educandas. In 1683 the lodge was restructured and reorganized.
Sacred Heart Temple
This temple dates from the 18th c. It was built over a previously ruined temple, San Juan Bautista.
Sanctuary Temple
This temple from the 19th c. feature two towers, one with a bell the other with a clock.
Santa Veracruz Museum
Opened in 1981 the museum is housed at the local cemetery. Murals are still present within the chapel. The main room of the museum houses archeological pieces from the region.
Temple and Exconvent of Santa Domingo
Construction began in the 17th c. but was not completed until early in the 18th c. The building features a baroque façade and a neoclassic interior. A black Christ hangs above the main altar.
The exconvent currently houses the Executive Office of the town.
The exconvent currently houses the Executive Office of the town.
Temple and Hospital of
The convent and hospital were founded in 1661 and now house the Institutio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Institute) of the Autonomous University of Querétaro.
The Parish
Construction of this church was halted in 1728 by Pedro Avalos y de la Cueva as the temple was to be used by the Spaniards. It is considered the main temple of the town.