Explore Saltillo
Saltillo in Coahuila de Zaragoza is a colonial city founded 440 years ago, with two clear heritages: the Spanish and the tlaxcalteca.
Considered a “Decisions Capital” by the historic figures and events that happened in the region and the State, which took a transcendental part in the country’s development; nationally known as the “Athens of Mexico” because of its important educational institutions, such as the Ateneo Fuente, the Institito Tecnologico de Saltillo and the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro, which reflect the commitment of the city to the future of the state and country.
Saltillo is popular for its neoclassical architecture, which is more visible in the city’s historic center, where visitors can find the Cathedral of Santiago, the Plaza de Armas and the Alameda Zaragoza, with an artificial lake at the center shaped like the Mexican territory.
The history and cultural heritage of Saltillo and Coahuila’s southeastern region is shown in over 20 modern museums that store the rich cultural expression. Some of these are truly unique in Latin America, including the Museo del Desierto with dinosaur fossils, a cactus greenhouse and geologic and geographic information of the desert and the Birds Museum, located in the building that housed the former Colegio Jesuita de San Juan, a beautiful architectural jewel from mid-19th century.
What to Visit
MUSEUM OF THE DESERT
With Mexico’s largest collection of fossils, this museum shows the wealth of life and the evolution of the species through time in an interactive way.
BIRDS MUSEUM
One of a kind as it homes and exhibits a collection of over 3000 specimens of dissected birds that represent the 73% of the total of Mexican species.
CATHEDRAL OF SANTIAGO
One of the architectural treasures of the state of Coahuila, the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago, the tallest in north Mexico, built between 1745 and 1897.
ALAMEDA
Located 500 meters from the Plaza de Armas, it’s the most important park in the city. Its walkways are embellished with details that remind us of the local history.
HISTORIC CENTER
A walk through the streets of the historic center is great to admire its monuments of great historical value as well as different galleries and museums.
