Panorámica de Santa RosalíaThe area’s current municipal seat, this city’s foundation dates back to 1868 when rich copper deposits were discovered in the area. In 1872, the Eiseman y Valle mining company opened its doors. However, it was not until 1885 that the real growth of Santa Rosalía began. It was then that the Mexican government allowed the French mining company El Boleo, which shut its doors in 1954, to set up business in the area with the promise of developing the town, a port and public buildings. In 1972, the town’s first constitutionally based city government was established.
Today, there is no mining activity in the city. However, there are currently various projects seeking to revitalize the industry. The town now derives its economic prosperity from activities such as fishing, business and tourism. The previous success of the old mining company left examples of the era’s splendor in many of the wooden buildings that are heavily influenced by French architecture. These structures are now protected under the Historic Monuments program. They include the Municipal Palace, the Francés Hotel, the post office and many others.
Santa Bárbara Church
The first prefabricated church erected in Mexico was brought over from Brussels by the then director of the El Boleo mining company at the end of the nineteenth century. Designed by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1884, the church was exhibited at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Raised in Santa Rosalía in 1897, the church’s interior curiously displays the image of Saint Bárbara, and not that of Saint Rosalía.
Within its altar, built totally from iron, there are stained-glass pieces with great artistic value. The decorations, candelabras and the gothic-style altarpiece were imported from Europe.
Municipal Archives and Museum
In the old administrative offices of the El Boleo mining company, and giving testament to the prosperous mining past of the region, an important collection of relics, including tools, is displayed. Within this French architectural construction, characteristic of the time, and through the building’s striking façade, the wooden banisters and handrails in the corridors catch visitors’ eyes. Tel. (615) 1522 999.
San Marcos Island
Going 30 kilometers (19 miles) to the south of Santa Rosalía on the highway, visitors will find themselves in the small town of San Bruno. This is the departure point for boats that, in 20 minutes time, will deliver them to one of the most active and enormous gypsum mines located on San Marcos Island. A small population of miners lives on one side of the island. The waters that surround the San Marcos represent a challenge for expert scuba divers who will find themselves amongst coral banks and sea creatures, including various species of sharks.
Tres Vírgenes Volcano
Just 33 kilometers (21 miles) to the north of Santa Rosalía by highway, visitors find one of the three geological formations that make up the area’s volcanic system (the others are the El Azufre and El Viejo volcanoes). This volcano is a favorite among mountain climbers and hikers who appreciate it as a challenge due to its height, at 2,054 meters above sea level (6,739 ft ASL). From its peak, visitors can look out over a large part of the Sea of Cortez. From its southern side, visitors look out over a large crater. Also, mountain bikers and those who wish to camp at any one of its picturesque spots will enjoy the adventure. Geotérmica is found on this volcano and is the source of electrical energy for the towns of Santa Rosalía and San Ignacio.
The Borrego Cimarrón hunting ranch is found in the foothills of this impressive volcano, with the hunting season running from November to March. The camp provides hunters with expert guides, interpreters, vehicles and any other necessary equipment.
