The town of Durango was founded on July 8, 1563, by the Basque captain Francisco de Ibarra. It became an important administrative center and the seat of government for the Kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya and the bishopric during the colonial period.

La Hacienda de San Diego de Navacoyán, located on the banks of the Tunal River in the present-day state of Durango, was another significant stop on the itinerary of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Travelers needed to cross this river to continue their route towards Chihuahua and New Mexico.

The town of Nombre de Dios is considered the oldest settlement in Durango and is a significant point along the Royal Inland Road due to its contribution to the colonization process of northern Mexico.

The Chapel of San Antonio de Padua was built in the 18th century in the former hacienda of San Antonio de Juana Guerra, in the community of Amado Nervo, Nombre de Dios, Durango.