Pozos
Historical Monuments Zone
Abstract
The historical vestiges preserved in Mineral de Pozos reveal the wealth that emerged from the silver mining that long characterized the town. Its cobbled streets enclose colonial buildings of historical value and great beauty.
Mineral de Pozos is located in the municipality of San Luis de la Paz, in the State of Guanajuato. The locality was inhabited by Chichimecas until the arrival of the Spanish Jesuits in 1576, when it was named Palmar de la Vega.
It was not until the eighteenth century that Mineral de Pozos was founded and became one of the most important mining centers during the Viceroyalty and up until the Porfirian era. After Mexico won Independence, Antonio López de Santa Anna decreed the “Federal Territory of the Sierra Gorda” with the city of San Luis de la Paz as its capital. Once the territory was divided into two districts, five divisions, and ten municipalities, Mineral de Pozos became a definitive part of the municipality of San Luis de la Paz.
In the surrounding areas the remains of haciendas and mines from which gold, silver and mercury were extracted may still be seen. In the center there are also empty buildings that foster the image of a ghost town. The desert ambiance, colonial constructions, and beautiful landscapes contribute to make it one of the most visited destinations in the state.
On July 27, 1982, the decree declaring Mineral de Pozos a Zone of Historic Monuments was issued. The Zone covers an area of 600 m2 contained in a single perimeter made up of 44 blocks with cobbled streets, comprising buildings with historic value. These include those destined to religious worship, including the churches of the Señor de los Trabajos de la Casa Santa, Señor de la Misericordia and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, as well as buildings for educational purposes and welfare services, and for the use of the civil authorities, among them the old School, the Municipal Palace, and the Abastos building.
The remaining buildings are civil buildings for private use dating from the Baroque period which incorporate architectural expressions of great originality due to the use of materials and ornamental details typical of the region. These characteristics appear until the end of the 19th century, when Neoclassical and Porfirian elements were integrated into the Baroque elements. Due to its history and popularity with tourists, Mineral de Pozos was declared a Magical Town in 2012.
Compañía Minera Cinco Señores
The mining company owned by five gentlemen had two mines, one called “San Agustín” and the other “Santa María.”
Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol de Pozos
The arch bears the date December 25, 1932, and the bells are inscribed with the following: “Concepción 1892,” “S. Esteban December 15, 1866,” and “April 1911 María Petra.”
Capilla de San Antonio de Padua
The bells bear the following inscriptions: “April 1873” and “Mallo 21, 1982.”
Capilla de la Virgen del Refugio
The building has a Latin cross plan and is currently in a state of ruin.
Delegación Municipal
19th-century building featuring a hallway, main courtyard with corridors and outbuildings, basement on the northeast façade, later additions of towers with embrasures, and a clock tower.
Antiguo Mercado
This 19th-century building consists of a row of cellars, a main courtyard, and stables with drinking troughs. The roof was made of wooden beams and brick, and the floors were clay tiles.
Casa cural
This 19th-century building has undergone modifications; a second floor was added, the central courtyard was renovated, and the roofs were replaced. The original façade was topped with a cornice carved from quarry stone.
Templo de la Santa Casa (San José)
A 19th-century building with a single nave, constructed of stone and adobe.
