Panorámica de San Pedro
Although this place, located in the mountains, had already been discovered long before by the native Guachichiles, it wasn’t until March 4, 1592 that mestizo captain Miguel Caldera ordered an expedition to explore the area.
The mission, headed by Pedro de Anda and Gregorio de León, was ordered because Captain Miguel Caldera had been notified that gold and silver were abundant in the area. He never imagined the significance of this minor action.
The mining town of Cerro de San Pedro was born and, with the shortage of water in this region, the present city of San Luis Potosí was soon founded, on November 3, 1592. After various alternating periods of prosperity and decadence, the mines of the region were closed indefinitely during the middle of the twentieth century.
When visiting Cerro de San Pedro today, travelers are impressed by the antique splendor of the city with its old stone mansions, many of which lay in ruins. The old public buildings still remind us of the frenzied activity that came about in response to the abundance of rich materials in the region. We become nostalgic as we realize that 415 years ago hope for a prosperous future was felt here, something that has become a reality in the present capital of San Luis Potosí.
Among the many gems of the rich cultural heritage of this municipality are found the San Pedro Apóstol Church, reconstructed in 1770, the San Nicolás Tolentino Temple, from the sixteenth century, and the former Municipal Presidency (1910), with the historic cave that in the past served as a jail. It is worthwhile to visit El Templete on the weekends. It is a house-museum that exhibits a collection of photographs and antique objects of common use.
Although the population that inhabits Cerro de San Pedro is very small, the town hosts a large, colorful patron saint celebration every June 29 to honor San Pedro and San Pablo. During these celebrations they also have the Cultural Festival, an event that is renowned for its presentation of musical concerts.
