Plaza de Mexquitic
Those who appreciate outstanding historical landscapes will enjoy this municipality. Bringing with them Tlaxcalteca families, the Spaniards officially founded this city as a prison in 1588 even though Diego de Magdalena had already established a convent here in 1583.
This founding would eventually help the pacification and conversion of the Guachichile Indians of this region. It was also from this exact location that the discoverers of the Cerro de San Pedro mine departed, an act which eventually led to the founding of the city of San Luis Potosí in 1592.
Today San Miguel Mexquitic has become a tranquil and eye-catching town dedicated to agriculture, business and a variety of services. It receives us with its repertoire of history and naturally hospitable people.
The Franciscan convent and San Miguel Arcángel Church were constructed in the sixteenth century. Without a doubt they are the most important attractions here. Also important is the Desert Sanctuary built in 1735 and located very near the capital. Dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, it preserves beautiful examples of religious artwork such as its eighteenth-century Baroque altarpiece, the main altar, artistically sculpted from cantera stone, and a few oil paintings like that of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the oldest in the state.
The Zoo (M-F from 9 am to 5:30 pm Tel. 855 3106 http:mx.geocities.com/mexquitic_zoo) is a great place for family recreation. This facility not only houses traditional animal species but it also is home to the ¨José Vilet Brullet¨ Natural History Museum and the National Mexican Fish Aquarium, which exhibits, studies and protects fish in Mexico. We must also mention the Álvaro Obregón Dam, as it is a stupendous alternative for water sports.
