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The Zocalo
The Zocalo or the main plaza is traditionally the center of the town.
In Oaxaca, the Zocalo is completely closed off to traffic, and cafes and
restaurants that surround the tree-line square make a perfect setting for a
relaxed drink or two while enjoying the ambience of the city.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Situated four blocks north of the Zocalo, this state-of-the-art
establishment was originally a Dominican Monastery. The impressive Baroque
decor inside is lavishly embellished with gold (ironically taken from the
Indians). The church offers an even more spectacular sight in the evening
when candles are lit to illuminate the interior.
Catedral de Oaxaca
Originally built in 1553, the cathedral was reconstructed in 1773 and was given
an elaborate 18th century baroque facade. However, an uncommon feature not
found in other churches is the feature of the Virgin's cape and its folds
depicted in angular lines and facets. The Cathedral of Oaxaca represents
one of the best examples of Oaxacan-style churches.
Cerro del Fortin
The statue of Benito Juarez, the great former president and a son of Oaxaca
stand atop this hill along with a stadium of 15,000 spectators capacity.
The top of the hill offers one of the best spot to catch a panoramic view
especially of the sunset. It is also the designated venue of the annual
Fiesta Guelaguetza.
Rufino Tamayo Museo de Arte Prehispanico de Mexico
A variety of pre-Hispanic artifacts from the pre-Classic period up to the
Aztec are put on display in this striking museum, run by the famous Oaxacan
artist Rufino Tamayo who had collected the edifices for over 20 years.
Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Solidad
In 1620 an image miraculously appeared in a box on the back of a mule.
The church was then built and the Virgin de la Solidad became Oaxaca's patron
saint. The church is elaborately decorated and has a statue of the Virgin
de la Solidad for the Catholics to pray to.
The Archaeological Center of Mitla
This important archaeological site was built by the Zapotecs and then
occupied by the Mixtecs around A.D.900. It underwent pillage by the
Spaniard in the 16th century who dismantled the bricks to use in their
construction of churches. Mitla is located some 40km from Oaxaca City.
There is a craft market outside the ruins and the town of Mitla is home to many
shops that sell hand made regional crafts, clothing and Mezcal.
The Zapotec Center of Monte Alban
Situated just outside Oaxaca, no visit could be complete without stopping by
Monte Alban. Monte Alban was constructed on a table mountain which offers
a beautiful 360 degrees view of the surrounding valleys. Monte Alban is
worth a visit just for the view, but offers much more than this. This
Zapotec center offers to visitors temples, carved stelae, a ball court, and much
more to investigate during a visit. There is also a museum located within
the ruins that offers a very interesting selection of artifacts.
Oaxaca Regional Museum
Next to the Santo Domingo Church is the most impressive museum in the city,
housed in a former Dominican convent -- one of the greatest of colonial
Mexico.The Oaxaca Regional Museum houses many different exhibition rooms and
subjects of exhibition, from original oil paintings to artifacts from Monte
Alban. Outside the museum are beautiful gardens with regional plants and
cactus. The museum is an ambitious project that displays the course of
human development in the Oaxaca valley from earliest times to the 20th century.
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