Established on the territory of the Chichimeca people, Aguascalientes is an important manufacturing city in Mexico’s Bajío region. It was founded in 1575 by several Spanish families and served as an outpost on the Silver Route before becoming the capital of the state of Aguascalientes in 1835. Aguascalientes is famed for hosting one of the largest celebrations in North America, the Feria Nacional de San Marcos.
Things to do in Aguascalientes
In the heart of Aguascalientes is the Templo de San Antonio de Padua, a magnificent, late 19th-century church that combines Baroque, Neoclassical and Gothic architectural elements. Commissioned by the Franciscans and designed by Refugio Reyes Rivas, it features a double stained-glass dome, three towers and paintings by Candelario Rivas depicting the miracles of San Antonio.
Adjacent is the Museo de Aguascalientes, which houses an outstanding collection of works by Mexican artists. It occupies a Greek Temple-inspired building that was also designed by Refugio Reyes Rivas and built from a pink-tinged stone. You can admire paintings by Gabriel Fernandez Ledesma and Saturnino Herran, as well as sculptural works by Jesus Contreras.
Fascinated by Mexico’s relationship with death? In 2007, the National Museum of Death opened in Aguascalientes, based on the collection of death-related artefacts belonging to Octavio Bajonero Gil. It has expanded to explore the history of death in Mexico and the role of iconography throughout the centuries and displays funereal arts from both contemporary and ancient cultures.
Getting around Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes International Airport is a 35-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to destinations across North America. Long-distance buses connect to Aguascalientes while local services travel throughout the city. Aguascalientes is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Mexico, with several greenways traversing the city.