Attractions in Chihuahua, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Chihuahua's Cathedral

Chihuahua's Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of baroque in the north of Mexico and was built with pink quarry stone. This large church is a three-nave building, where two identical towers, each 131 feet high, and an impressive dome resembling the ones from Saint Peter's Basilica stand out. The Cathedral took about 100 years to build, since construction was stopped during the war with the Apaches and Comanches and all funds were allotted to the war.

Once inside the Cathedral, you can admire the big altars made of quarry stone and Carrara marble, its spectacular interior highlighted with Venetian crystal chandeliers, as well as an immense German organ, one of the best of its kind. Worthy of mention is the chapel that houses an image of the Black Christ of Mapimi, which was previously housed in the city's first temple located in this same spot.

Aldama

This is a small town located just 21.75 miles away from Chihuahua. It was named after the leader Juan Aldama, who was shot to death along with the Father Miguel Hidalgo during the War of Independence. This charming village provides a number of recreational spaces and historic buildings such as churches from the 18th century. Aldama offers the ideal atmosphere for enjoying a day in the countryside with the family, thanks to its springs and beautiful gardens filled with lush trees that give shelter to an extensive variety of birds.

Gameros Country Estate

This spectacular mansion was designed by the engineer Manuel Gameros, a wealthy miner from Chihuahua, to live there with his family. Unfortunately, they couldn't enjoy it since they had to flee to El Paso, Texas because of the Mexican Revolution. During this time, the house was turned into headquarters for the militants. In 1958, the Quinta Gameros became the property of the National Anthropology and History Institute, institution that established the State Regional Museum on that very property.

Museum of the Revolution

Also called the Luz Country Estate or the Villa House, this is the mansion where General Francisco Villa's wife, Luz Villa, lived until her death. The building was subsequently donated to make a museum dedicated to the Mexican Revolution. This old country house has two floors, a basement, a central courtyard and a backyard, where Villa ran his headquarters from. The museum displays documents, weapons, photographs, furniture and many other objects related to that time, which will give the visitors an idea about Francisco Villa's life and how events took place during the revolutionary period.

Modern Art Museum

The Modern Art Museum (also known as Casa Redonda) features several halls which have housed various collections of Mexican modern art since it opened in September 2000. Since then, it has also held temporary exhibits by renowned artists. The building dates back to the 19th century and was originally used as a workshop, where train cars were repaired, making it a historic attraction as well.

Sacred Art Museum

Opened in 1980, it features two rooms that exhibit beautiful examples of Mexican religious art created in the 18th century. One of them is devoted to the angels and the other features paintings that are very representative of that period, such as the "Inmaculada Concepcion" by the painter Miguel Cabrera, "San Francisco de Kotska" by Francisco Martinez, "La Prision de Jesus", "Jesus ante Caifas", "La Flagelacion" and "La Crucifixion" by Jose de Alcibar. The collection also includes 18 pieces on the Passion of Jesus, a crucifix carved in marble and a wood sculpture of the Christ of Mapimi.

Republican Loyalty Museum

Known also as the Juarez House, it was the official residence of the President Benito Juarez for a period of two years and was also used as the seat of the federal government, when Juarez, along with his ministers, moved to Chihuahua to organize the struggle against the French invasion. The museum has a large number of manuscripts, photographs and other invaluable belongings, such as correspondence with his relatives, generals and countries that supported his cause. You will also be able to admire the furnishings of that period, which recreate the atmosphere that surrounded this famed president.

Chihuahua Cultural Center  

It is a building that features Neoclassic elements from the 19th century and its impressive architectonic beauty reflects the bountiful times of Chihuahua's landowners. Admire the courtyard's magnificent crystal dome and the forged iron gates brought from New Orleans, as well as the tiles' intricate patterns on the corridor floors. In one of the rooms, you can see gorgeous Paquime art pieces and as well as enjoy a wide array of cultural activities in the other rooms.

Nombre de Dios Caves

The caves were discovered and are roughly millions of years worth of salt and minerals. They feature stalactite and stalagmite formations that will dazzle you with their interesting shapes on your underground excursion, which covers a distance of 5300 feet. The caves are well-lit, allowing visitors to see these natural wonders more clearly and have handrails as well as passageways to offer a safe journey.

Government Palace

It is an imposing neoclassic palace built with quarry rock. In its main courtyard, you can appreciate the murals of the painter Aaron Pina Mora, which depicts the history of the state of Chihuahua through the images, from the conquest until the Reform era. Next to the stairs, in the exact place where Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was executed, there is a monument called "Altar to the Homeland", where an eternal flame burns.

Puerta de Chihuahua

Chihuahua's Door is a fabulous metal monument that features a composition of red geometric shapes and it is a masterpiece by a famous local sculptor known as Sebastian. This sculpture is one of the tallest in the world and is located in the southern part of the city, on the highway that leads to the town of Delicias. Chihuahua's Door is one of the most renowned symbols in the city. You have to visit it and see it with your own eyes!

Trolley

There is nothing better than sightseeing around the city of Chihuahua in a quaint little trolley. If you want the city experience, the trolley is known as 'El Tarahumara,' which resembles a train car from the early part of the 20th century. It leaves daily from City Hall, Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The service offers transportation to various destinations, where you can also catch it at the different stops around the city.