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Calle Universidad in the historic center of San Luis PotosíSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calle_universidad%281%29.JPG
Author: Felipe Alfonso Castillo
San Luis Potosí is a city in the central part of Mexico. It is the largest city and state capital of San Luis Potosí State. Often called simply as SLP or San Luis, the city covers 385 sq km(148.6 sq mi) and has a population of 686,000 people (2011 estimate) with the 10th largest metropolitan area in Mexico.
San Luis Potosí is located at an elevation of 1,850 m (6,070 ft) above sea level. It was founded in 1592 due to the discovery of rich silver and gold ore in the area, which led to the opening of mines there.
San Luis Potosí was named after King Louis IX of France (1214-1270), who was regarded as San Luis Rey de Francia in Mexico, and serves as the patron saint of the city. The name Potosí came about to associate it with the rich mines of Potosí, Bolivia, established forty years earlier.
Templo del Carmen and its squareSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carmelight.jpg
Author: Potosino
Today San Luis Potosí is a major commercial and industrial center in the heart of Mexico. The political stability of the area has helped it attract multinational companies to assume a presence in the city as a regional manufacturing center.
In addition to its industrial base, San Luis Potosí has also preserved its historic sites and continues to develop its tourism industry. Its historic center became a World Heritage Site entitled Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
Catedral de San Luis PotosíSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_de_San_Luis_Potosi_Mexico..JPG
Author: Felipe Alfonso Castillo
Visiting San Luis Potosí
You can fly from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and major cities of Mexico to San Luis Potosí.There are buses from Mexico City to San Luis Potosí. You can get there direct from the Benito Juarez International Airport, or take the bus from the long-distance bus terminal in Mexico City. There are also long-distance buses from other cities of Mexico to San Luis Potosí.
You can also take overnight buses from Austin and San Antonio in Texas. They arrive in time for lunch the next day.
Places of Interest in San Luis Potosí
- Ex-Convento de San Francisco
A huge religious complex established by the Franciscans from 1686, and completed over a century later. - Museo Nacional de la Máscara
Museum whose highlight is its walls adorned with over a thousand ceremonial masks. - Palacio de Gobierno
Historic building that served as the seat of Benito Juárez's government in the 19th century. - Plaza de Armas
The main public square of San Luis Potosí featuring the cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno. - Plaza de los Fundadores
Public square faced by the Iglesia de la Compañia and the Capilla de Loreto. - Plaza del Carmen
Public square with Templo del Carmen, the Teatro de la Paz and Museo de la Máscara. - Real Caja
The Royal Treasury of San Luis Potosí. - Templo del Carmen
Churrigueresque church from the mid-17th century, one of the most spectacular structures in the city.
Sights & Attractions around San Luis Potosí
- Cerro de San Pedro
This is the site of the silver and gold mines that fueled the wealth of the city. - Santa María del Río
Village located 45 km to the southeast of San Luis Potosí famous for its traditional weaving and dyeing trades. - Villa de Reyes
Former haciendas located 57 km south of San Luis Potosí. Here, visitors get a glimpse of the architecture and lifestyle in the haciendas.
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