Introduction
Colonial city, at 2,200 meters over sea level at the central plateau, the city was founded on March 31,
1528 by Capitan Diego de Mazariegos, who established the Ciudad Real de Chiapa de los
Españoles.
San Cristobal de las Casas gathers the most important state's ethnics, like Tzotzil and Tzetzal, very
numerous groups with cultural tradition, with a population of 132,317 inhabitants. One of the best ways to
enjoy a quiet afternoon and try to understand the history of the foundation and development of this Mexican
jewel, is taking fresh air on a Plaza Mayor's bench, at the same time admiring the beautiful civil and
religious monuments.
Description
At present the city's historic center is surrounded by the civil and religious buildings, as the Municipality Presidential, of neoclassic style and the Cathedral beautiful building of baroque style, La Casa de las Sirenas, the most outstanding example of colonial domestic architecture, San Nicolas church, the only one keeping its primitive construction shape, and the portals that at present lodge a commercial shops. All these buildings glow with an exceptional beauty.
Historic Monuments
· Cathedral ·
The most representative monument of San Cristobal, the beautiful baroque wooden retable
covered with golden leaf and the paintings of the artist Juan Correa outstand, its style shows a austere
baroque touch with mudejar details.
· Palacio Municipal ·
Neoclassic style construction built by Architect Carlos Z. Flores, Tuscan arch and columns
outstand.
· Casa de las Sirenas ·
Plateresque style from the XVI century built by Andres de la Tovilla, a mermaid in one of the corners
outstands in this particular construction.
· Arco del Carmen·
Built in 1680 in the colonial period with the purest mudejar style, it belonged to the attached
Incarnation Convent. This building served as entrance gate to the royal city and at present
it became a symbol of the city.
· Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman ·
this is the most important region’s baroque construction built by Frailes Dominicos since 1546.
Its frontispiece is considered one of the richest ornamentations, representing the colonial baroque in Latin
America; in its interior there are beautiful wooden retable covered with golden leaf and quilted wood and
polychrome sculptures of La Virgen del Rosario and la Santisima
Trinidad.
· Templo de la Caridad ·
Construction started in 1712 by the Juanicos, it established as the first Indian Hospital, its main
frontispiece is an overlapping retable formed by two horizontal bodies, central belfry with Tuscan pilasters of
a very fashioned design, derived from the baroque developed in Lima, Peru.
· Templo de la Merced ·
It was founded in 1537 by the Frailes Mercedarios coming from Guatemala. The arch and the
column inside the sacristy decorated in stucco with flaring colors with floral, vegetable and
garland motifs, remain original from the old construction. At the column's base two lions appear as a symbol
of the Spanish dominion; the church has only one aisle and a beautiful Plaza is outside it.
At present, the restored attached Convent lodging the Ambar Museum can be
visited.
· Templo del Carmen ·
This church belonged to the Incarnation Convent founded by Sisters of the Concepcion
in 1597, it has L shape walls, rich wooden quilted. The main altar of neoclassic style just restored is
inside; outside there is a beautiful small Plaza. Arco torre del Carmen: This unusual
monument, symbol of the city, attached to the church with the same name, was started in 1680,
with the purest mudejar style. There are three bodies comprising this tower with half point arch
windows. It was said that this arch served as gateway to this city.
· Antiguo Colegio de San Francisco Javier ·
At present it lodges the law school and it was found by the Jesuitas in 1681 for Spanish children
education. It has neoclassic style with two levels, conquest murals can be seen in the interior
aisles.
· Templo de Santa Lucia ·
It was built in 1884 by the Arch. Carlos Z. Flores, on a destroyed chapel. It has just one aisle with pasted
to the walls pilaster and propped arches; the main altar retable is gothic style with neoclassic architecture
elements and art nouveau.
· Templo de San Francisco ·
Founded by the Franciscans in 1577, at present, only the church is kept from the Convent,
built in the XVII century, the top floor has one aisle covered by a wooden and tile ceiling, the frontispiece
is composed of three bodies, with belfry and two side towers; it has baroque retable pulpit ands all painting
in the shape of medallions in its main altar.
· Templo de Guadalupe ·
It is located at the top of Cerro de Guadalupe and was built in 1834. To get to the church
it is necessary to climb 79 steps. It has one aisle with side chapel. In the main altar there is a canvas of
the Guadalupe Virgin in excellent conditions, and in side chapel there is
another sculpture made in 1850. From the outside it is possible to see an incredible view of the city.
Museums
· Museo de los Altos de Chiapas ·
Integrated in the Santo Domingo Convent complex. This place exhibits and shows,
with several items and images, an interesting look of the most relevant history facts of the city. In
San Jolobil workshop it is possible to admire a rich variety of fabrics and beautiful
nettings made by extraordinary Indian women as well as temporary expositions.
· Museo Na Bolom ·
It was founded archeologist and Lacandona jungle investigator Franz Blon and his wife Gertrude.
It is located in a XIX century colonial big house of XIX century. A special place was gathered a
Lacandona collection which were used in the big house. There is an art colonial religious handcrafted
chapel.
· Museo del Ambar ·
Located in the recent restored Convento de la Merced and attached same name church;
in this unique type we will get into this petrified gem, million years ago; it is one of the most beautiful
and better quality and varied tones, in Mexico and the rest of the world; not only as difficulties and extraction,
but for elaborated jewels and precious objects, in hand of our Indians.
· Museo de la Medicina Maya ·
The visitor can watch different practices and techniques of Indian medicine traditional physicians,
midwives, and the hills prayer, techniques kept by the wise from ancient ages.
...What you can not miss!
For one or two days, recommend:
· Tianguis artesanal de Santo Domingo -handcrafts
· El colorido mercado Jose Castillo Tielemans -market
· El recorrido por el andador eclesiastico -religious tour
· Recorrido por la ciudad en el tranvia "El coleto" -local Street car
· Ascenso a la iglesia de San Cristobalito -church
· Comunidad indigena de San Juan Chamula -reservations
· Zinacantan
· Amatenango del Valle
· Tenejapa
Gastronomy
It is not possible to talk in general about the Gastronomy because Chiapas is a varied state with different
weather, people and the gastronomy changes from place to place. The Santa Cristobal de las Casas
cuisine is an experience given by this Royal City. Most establishments invite to taste the traditional dishes,
due to the encounter of two cultures: Indian and Spanish.
As an example we can mention hams and marquetry, substantial part of the coleta cuisine, chalupas,
azafran tamales, bread soup, coleto roast, atole de granillo, and posh, typical regions drink, considered as sacred
by the Indians. Typical meals restaurant sort. Remember that San Cristobal is a very attractive city for visitors
all over the world, so international cuisine can be found: Italian, French, from Thailand, Hindu, Chinese and the
classic vegetarian. Add the corresponding specialty restaurants.
Handcrafts
San Cristobal de las Casas is the confluence point of the most important ethnical groups, that at present have not forgotten the ancient handcraft techniques; colorful Maya fabrics, pottery, iron forging, and fine works of filigrane and amber, this last one made of a resin petrified millions of years ago, requiring many hours of effort to extract it. All these handcrafts can be found in several malls or in a colorful Tianguis in front of Templo de Santo Domingo.
Night Life
The amusement is not only limited to walk on the streets admiring monuments, but also enjoy this magic city famous environment; here the visitor can drink a glass of wine in a trova environment, or a sophisticated discos music or salsa, raggae or techno music; all of these can be found in the city center. There are a different kind of bars and discos.
Weather
San Cristobal de las Casas has a cold region weather and is mainly rainy during summer, July to October.
Ethnic group
Remember that Maya lived in San Cristobal; at present descendants of ancient culture, divided in Tzotziles, Tzeltales and Tojolabales and a heavy mix to becomes half breed.
Lodging
This magical city of San Cristobal offers different choices for lodging from $10 USD to $200 USD, combining the beauty, charm, simplicity, and the luxury, adventure and passion, good taste prevails resulting in an unique and unforgettable experience, taking care of a pleasant environment, both in its open spaces and its colonial architecture. Add establishments links, from the cheapest to the more expensive are the establishments in the city.
Location
83 Km from Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital.
How to get there?
From the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez it is necessary to take the Panamericana Highway 190; at present there is a new toll highway starting in the detour going to Chiapa de Corzo and continues to this beautiful city; it takes an hour and twenty minutes.
Attraction
Grutas de rancho nuevo, Cascada el corralito, Mpio. De Oxchuc, Museo del Jade, El taller de leñateros, El festival Cervantino Barroco, La procesion de Semana Santa, La feria de la primavera y la paz and the Expo Ambar.
Recomendations
It is necessary to be cautious in this highway because it has very tight curves and a moderate speed must be kept; on the other hand, this magic place is located 2,200 meters over sea level and its temperature is very cold specially in the winter season, so don't forget to bring a adequate clothes for this weather.
Places nearby
Chiapa de Corzo and Comitan de Dominguez.
Festivities
San Cristobal is traditionally known for its inhabitants clamor, since they prepare their festivities
with great enthusiasm their festivities for each neighborhood; those the visitor must not be surprised
to hear the skyrocket or fireworks noise; these festivities take place all year.
· Holy week ·
It is celebrated in all neighborhoods:
date: March - April.
On good Friday the via crucis processions take place with special devotion representing the bible characters
during all morning, in a respectful and silent manner embracing all the city; on Saturday afternoon, joy
returns to continue all festivities in the city.
· Spring and Peace Fair ·
It is celebrated in all neighborhoods.
Date: March - April.
Description:
It takes place on Good Saturday, colors glow, music, people and the community enjoy, beliefs and
history are expressed in a thousand manners; the traditional Judas burnt takes place and a serenade is
offered to the Queen, who will be crowned the following day. Also a parade of allegorical cars and
bullfights take places.
· Festival Cervantino Barroco·
Where is it celebrated: In the historical Center.
Date: Variable
Description:
The State’s Government has established this Festival with the purpose of preserving and spread out culture
and arts in this beautiful city. It is one of the most important National Level event, gathering several
international and national artists groups in different San Cristobal de las Casas forum; activities are open air
concerts theater plays, exhibitions and conferences.
· Expo Ambar ·
Where is it celebrated: Centro de Convenciones Casa de Mazariegos
Date:Variable
Description:
It a good opportunity to every visitor interested in knowing and acquiring unique items made from
apt handcrafts artists from Chiapas, whose activity is to give form and presentation to such wonderful
gems. Here the visitor cam acquire simple and more elaborated pieces.
Contact
Tourist Local Office
Av. Miguel Hidalgo No. 1-B
Phone numbers: 01 (967) 678-6570 /
678-1467
Secretaria de Turismo
(Tourism State Office)
National toll free number: 01 (800) 280-3500
