Zacatecas, built into the slopes of a narrow ravine in north-central Mexico, is a city with a deep mining past and a striking skyline. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its pink cantera stone buildings, narrow alleys, and impressive baroque facades. The Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas, completed in 1752, stands as one of the most detailed examples of Mexican baroque architecture, with hundreds of carved figures covering its sandstone exterior.
One of the city’s most unusual attractions is the Mina El Edén, a former silver mine turned into a museum and underground nightclub. Visitors descend into the tunnels on a small train and walk through exhibits on mining tools, geology, and colonial-era labor practices. On weekend nights, part of the mine transforms into a bar where guests can sip mezcal several stories beneath the surface, a blend of history and nightlife that’s hard to find elsewhere.