Historic Center

Beautiful squares and gardens give San Luis Potosi harmonious and pristine environment invites visitors to walk at any time. Since 2005, several buildings, monuments and squares in the historic center of San Luis have been illuminated with a special system. Among the sites that have received this light decoration are The Plaza del Carmen, The Garden of San Francisco, with its temple, Founders Square, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and some more. San Luis Potosi was the first city in Mexico to join the other 49 cities belong to the Light Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI by its acronym in English).

San Luis was established in 1592 around the Founders Square. Its northern side is occupied by State University, a former Jesuit college dating from 1653, and the Chapel of Loreto, also built by the Jesuits and dating from the early eighteenth century. Sagrario church, built in 1675, is also located in this square. Alameda, a very pleasant place to walk, marks the eastern border of the city center. Across the street is the Center of Cultural Diffusion, with an effervescent calendar of artistic performances and exhibitions of plastic arts. On the west side of the Alameda you can admire the Plaza del Carmen, whose horizon is governed by the spectacular Temple of Carmen, one of the most valuable monuments of the colonial era in Mexico. Built between 1749 and 1764, the exterior of the church is an excellent example of Baroque style, while its interior is equally extravagant. The gilded main altar, designed by Eduardo Tresguerras

, and Camarín are simply exquisite works.

The Plaza de Armas and the Garden Hidalgo, the bustling corner of the city, is dressed in trees providing cool shade, lush bushes and gorgeous pink quarry kiosk in the center. To the east is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dates from 1710, with its pink stone facade and its high towers. On one side the Municipal Palace, an old mansion whose construction was completed in 1838. The Government Palace occupies the entire west side of the block is located. Built between 1798 and 1816, this building housed some of the most prominent leaders of Mexico, including Benito Juarez and Ignacio Lopez de Santa Anna. The Casa de la Virreina, an old mansion was privileged to accommodate Doña Leonora Carreto, the only viceroy of Mexico, is also located on the north side of the garden.

Plaza San Francisco is quiet, shaded and one of the most relaxed and picturesque sites of the city. Its west side is dominated by the imposing Temple of San Francisco, a baroque temple of Franciscan workmanship that was built in the early eighteenth century. Also here is the Artisan's House, where you can buy handicrafts from all over Mexico.