Things to do in San Luis Potosí
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Museo Federico Silva
The Museo Federico Silva should not be missed. The original 17th-century building was once a hospital and later a school under el porfiriato (the Porfiriato period). It has been exquisitely transformed into a contemporary art museum, ingeniously integrating the building’s previous neoclassical finish with the monolithic sculptures of Silva. There’s also a bookstore and temporary exhibitions of internationally known contemporary sculptors.
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Museo Regional Potosino
Along Galeana to the west of Templo de San Francisco, the Museo Regional Potosino was originally part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1590. The ground floor has exhibits on pre-Hispanic Mexico, especially the indigenous people of the Huasteca. Upstairs is the lavish Capilla de Aranzazú, an elaborate private chapel constructed in the mid-18th century in Churrigueresque style. New monks were ordained here.
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Centro de Las Artes Centenario
The Centro de las Artes Centenario was a former prison, believed to have briefly held Francisco Madero. The prison was a social rehabilitation center until 1999 when it officially closed. Ten years later, it was transformed – without losing its fundamental design – and opened as an arts and cultural center. Some of the former cells have been maintained; others have been converted into offices but maintain an impact.
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Templo de San Francisco
The altar of the 17th- and 18th-century Templo de San Francisco was remodeled in the 20th century, but the sacristy (the priest's dressing room), reached by a door to the right of the altar, is original and has a fine dome and carved pink stone. The Sala De Profundis, through the arch at the south end of the sacristy, has more paintings and a carved stone fountain. A beautiful crystal ship hangs from the main dome.
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El Pozole
The place to try the local enchiladas potosinas – the tortilla dough is red (from mild chili). This place was started by a woman selling antojitos (Mexican snacks) in her home in the 1980s. Demand for her goods was so high she has since opened three restaurants specializing in what she knows best – tacos rojos, pozole, quesadillas de papa (potato quesadillas) … Yes, they’re that good.
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Templo del Carmen
Plaza del Carmen is dominated by San Luis' most spectacular structure, the Churrigueresque Templo del Carmen (1749−64). On the vividly carved stone facade, hovering angels show the touch of indigenous artisans. The Camarín de la Virgen, with a splendid golden altar, is to the left of the main altar inside. The entrance and roof of this chapel are a riot of small plaster figures.
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Museo del Ferrocarril
The recently opened Museo del Ferrocarril on the north side of the Alameda is housed in the city’s former train station and very cleverly brings to life its past. The existing building was designed by Manuel Ortiz Monasterio and was constructed in 1936. Exhibits include modern installations relating to train travel plus former locomotive parts.
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Palacio Municipal
Beside the cathedral, the 19th-century Palacio Municipal features powerful stone arches. Finished in 1838, it was the home of Bishop Ignacio Montes de Oca from 1892 to 1915. In the rear of the building's patio is a stone fountain carved with the heads of three lions. The city's coat of arms in stained glass overlooks a double staircase.
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Museo Nacional de la Máscara
The recently renovated (and reopened) Museo Nacional de la Máscara displays ceremonial masks in one area only (the remaining masks from the former museum are said to be in storage). The rest of the museum is devoted to a recreation of the original mansion, along with a temporary exhibition space.
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La Virreina
A long-established gourmet favorite and the city’s oldest surviving restaurant, the charmingly old-fashioned Virreina has a classic menu including both international and Mexican dishes, delicious desserts and an excellent reputation. The 96-year-old owner (as at 2009) still presides over quality checks.
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El México de Frida
Although painted in Kahlo-esque colors, this restaurant is not Frida-kitsch. Rather, the tasteful and tasty menu serves up scrumptious Mexican fare. Try the chiles ventilla (M$76), chilies with cheese and the most tantalizing creamy sauces. It’s 3km along (and just south of) Avenida Carranza.
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Templo de San José
Inside the Templo de San José, facing the Alameda's south side, lies the image of El Señor de los Trabajos, a Christ figure attracting pilgrims from near and far. Numerous retablos around the statue testify to prayers answered in finding jobs, regaining health and passing exams.
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Palacio de Gobierno
The neoclassical Palacio de Gobierno, built between 1770 and 1816, lines the plaza's west side. Its most illustrious lodger was Benito Juárez - first in 1863 when he was fleeing from invading French forces, then in 1867 when he confirmed the death sentence on the puppet-emperor Maximilian.
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Operatour Potosina
If you want to do a tour, Operatour Potosina is the outfit to do it with. This friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking operator offers tours around the city, as well as to haciendas, Real De Catorce and the Huasteca Potosina region. It’s located in the Hotel Napoles.
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Cathedral
The three-nave baroque Cathedral, built between 1660 and 1730, is on the plaza's east side. Originally it had just one tower; the northern tower was added in the 20th century. The marble apostles on the facade are replicas of statues in Rome's San Juan de Letrán basilica.
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Shiroi ie
Unusual name, unusual dishes. Wonderful Japanese fusion creating sushi and sashimi and California rolls with a twist (try the 'matador roll' with beef fillet). Has a modern, upbeat atmosphere with a red-and-black theme. It's 2km west along Carranza.
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Museo Casa del Poeta Manuel José Othón
The Museo Casa del Poeta Manuel José Othón is the birthplace of much-celebrated Mexican poet, Manuel José Othón (1858–1906). The 19th-century home is furnished in period style and exhibits Othón’s manuscripts and personal effects.
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Museo Othoniano
Behind the cathedral, the Museo Othoniano is the birthplace of a much celebrated Mexican poet, Manuel José Othón (1858-1906). The 19th-century home is furnished in period style and exhibits Othón's manuscripts and personal effects.
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Apikus
Sleek and stylish and a la moda. Its minimalist setting on the terrace is beautifully offset against the colonial architecture of surrounding buildings. Modern fusion cuisine includes sushi, pasta and meats. Definitely worth the splurge.
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Centro Taurino Potosino
Just over the railway bridge east of the Alameda is the Centro Taurino Potosino, comprising the 7000-seat Plaza de Toros (bullring) and a restaurant decorated with matador paraphernalia (open only when bullfights take place).
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Templo de la Tercera Orden
The small Templo de la Tercera Orden, built in 1694 and restored in 1960, and Templo del Sagrado Corazón (1728−31), both formerly part of the Franciscan monastery, stand together at the plaza's south end.
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Templo del Sagrado Corazón
The Templo del Sagrado Corazón (1728−31) and the small Templo de la Tercera Orden (1694 and restored in 1960), both formerly part of the Franciscan monastery, stand together at the plaza's south end.
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Café Pacífico
Worth mentioning because of its hours - it's open 24/7 - and serves up snacks and set breakfasts to a loyal clientele. It's light, bright and the nearest thing to a local version of a US diner.
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Museo del Virreinato
The Museo del Virreinato has a large collection of paintings and artifacts from the Spanish vice-regency. More of interest might be its temporary exhibitions – check what’s on.
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Fonda Orizatlán
Eight blocks south of the center, the dated but colorful Fonda Orizatlán is locally renowned for its first-class Huasteca-style cuisine. Sunday afternoons feature folkloric dances.
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