Ana Monreal Martinez

November 3, 2008

ESLINTG-99



San Luis Potosi, Mexico


San Luis Potosi City was founded in the year 1700. Through the years, the capital of the state San Luis Potosi, which is called by the same name, San Luis Potosi, has been recognized as one of the most enriched city for its architecture, history and the time for being a modern city in Mexico. The state government had made many changes in the city to attract the tourism. In the recent years, the tourism in San Luis Potosi increased to 85% more than the past years. The most attractive places are located in the downtown area of the city. You can find squares, historic churches, a lot of museums and restaurants with delicious Mexican food.

One of the many things you can do and enjoy in San Luis is to visit two of the seven main squares, which are Armas and Carmen Square. Armas square is the most visited by tourists. It is a full of lush trees around a kiosk in the middle of the square. Also, the big and old cathedral is located there, which is one of the most visited churches in San Luis Potosi. It was founded in 1710. Its exterior stone is slightly pink, it has the twelve apostles in stone, and its two giant towers. Inside of the cathedral, on the main altar is the Virgin of the Assumption made in marble and the patron saint of the city that is San Luis Rey of France, and their costumes are made of gold. In front of the cathedral is the government palace, which is an old building with wonderful architecture. This building was built between 1798 and 1816, and has hosted several important leaders such as Benito Juárez and Santa Ana, who were both Mexican Presidents. The Carmen square was founded by Carmelites friars. There is the Carmen church honoring the Virgin of Carmen. Also, there is one of the principle theaters named El Teatro de la Paz. Around the square, there are a lot of stores where people can buy crafts items that represent the state.

Another thing that you can do in San Luis Potosi is to visit the museums. There are a lot of museums where you can find visual art and history. The National Museum of Masks has more than 2 000 masks from nearly every state in the Mexican Republic. The House of Culture Museum has a collection of archaeological items, artwork, crafts and paintings from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The Regional Museum Potosino provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the institution, ranging from pre-Hispanic cultures that settled in the region until the arrival of the Spaniards. At the government palace, there are sculptures of the very important historic people of Mexico.

Finally, there are a lot of restaurants with delicious Mexican food where you can enjoy traditional music. One of the many great restaurants in this city is La Virreina restaurant. This restaurant provides a variety of exquisite Mexican dishes. They offer our typical food of the state. San Luis Potosi is divided into four zones which are the middle, Huasteca, upland, and central zones. This restaurant offers a typical dish from each of these zones. From middle zone is Gorditas de horno dish, from Huasteca zone is Zacahuil dish, frothed zone is Cesina dish, and from central zone is Enchiladas Potosinas dish. Also, you can enjoy typical and traditional Huapango and Mariachi music from the state. Moreover, there are other kinds of restaurants downtown. La Langosta restaurant provides a variety of delicious sea food. This restaurant is characterized by its unique decoration and food. Inside of the restaurant, it seems as if you are in the middle of the sea. The walls are painted with all kinds of fish and sea plants. Also, it has a comfortable chairs and tables where you can enjoy their meal.

In conclusion, the main squares, churches, museums, and restaurants are some attractive places where you could visit and enjoy in San Luis Potosi. In this city you can find a lot of interesting history such as the birthplace of Francisco Gonzales Bocanegra the man who wrote the national anthem. Also, you would have unforgettable experiences if you visit all historic places in San Luis Potosi.