The state of Querétaro is located in central Mexico, 219 kilometers from the capital; a trip of approximately 2.5 hours. The state capital, Santiago de Querétaro is characterized by its magnificent, perfectly preserved Spanish colonial architecture, which is why the city captivates all its visitors.

The history exuded by its buildings and monuments can be admired in many Baroque-period structures, such as the distinctive Querétaro aqueduct, which stands out for its pink stone construction.

Let’s start by defining the following…

What Does Querétaro Mean?

In 1531, Conin, a powerful chief of Otomi origin, founded the city of Santiago de Querétaro. At that time, the commander Hernán Pérez de Bocanegra had been charged with converting him to Catholicism, giving him the name Don Fernando de Tapia, as a reward for his great contribution to achieving the conquest of the city.

In this way, the name of the city comes as a tribute to the apostle Santiago and from a word of gold.

ien Purépecha, which means “place of large stones”. This is how the city acquired the name Santiago de Querétaro.

Santiago de Querétaro. Today, there are a wealth of historical attractions and tours in Querétaro to discover.

These are some of them:

Zenea Garden, Santiago de Querétaro

This space was once part of the San Francisco temple and later became a plaza that acquired great importance for marketing, as it was conveniently located for all travelers.

The first bullfights in Querétaro took place here, and in the 18th century, the characteristic fountain of the god Neptune was placed here.

Following various armed movements, the square underwent a significant restoration process led by Governor Benito Zenea, from whom it would acquire its current name a few years later. After the assassination of General Álvaro Obregón, it was renamed Jardín Obregón, although a few decades later it would return to its current name. Zenea Garden that remains to this day.

For locals and visitors alike, the Zenea Garden is a place to enjoy a wide variety of cultural expressions and reminisce about the city’s history under the shade of a tree.

Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Santiago de Querétaro

This characteristic work of Querétaro, was designed by architect Ignacio Mariano de las Casas and dates back to the early 18th century. Its construction originally served as a convent to educate pious girls, inspired by the Virgin Santa Rosa de Viterbo.

For several years, the decision was made to convert the building into the Querétaro General Hospital, and later, taking advantage of the various architectural influences that can be admired in its structures, it was used to house the Querétaro Institute of Culture and the Arts, which can be visited today.

These are just some of the activities you can enjoy when visiting Querétaro., a state full of history, culture, exquisite cuisine, and a wealth of archaeology, as is the case in virtually all of Mexico. If you’d like to discover other options for Tourism in Mexico: Explore the options offered by some beach destinations, such as Quintana Roo, where you can enjoy white beaches, turquoise waters, Mayan archaeological sites, and fantastic all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.