Posted by Permanent Message on 12/27/2005, 10:01 pm
Message modified by board administrator 3/31/2008, 7:19 pm

Tepic is a pretty city blessed with pleasant weather for the major part of the year. There are many points of interest to visit in this colonial city. The name comes from the word in Nahuatl meaning 'Palace of Solid Rock'. Surrounded by hills like San Juan, La Cruz and the Sangangüey Volcano, the valley is always green due to the abundance of water here. The Cathedral The construction was begun in 1804 and finished at the end of the 19th century. It is of the Neogothic style and is 40 meters (132 feet) tall. The facade is of quarry stone with a double-bodied entrance and a rectangular frontal piece resembling a cube. At the sides, two slender, three-tiered towers stand with a domed steeple on top. Temple of la Cruz de Zacate and the Ex-Convent There is a plaque which marks its appearance in 1540. This is the place where the legendary natural grass cross is kept. It is considered a miracle since it always keeps its shape and green color without any cultivation. Next to the temple, you can visit the interesting Ex-Convent which was built in 1784. This convent has its place in history as it was the dwelling of Brother Junipero Serra who was the missionary who founded what was known as the Californias. Government Palace This is the seat of the state's executive branch. It is considered the best Neoclassical structure in the state. It was originally designed to be a prison for the 7th Canton of Jalisco. It was begun in 1804 but, for various reasons, wasn't finished until 1885. Juan Escutia house and Museum This is the house where Juan Escutia was born on February 22,1857. He gave his life for his country in the 'Battle of Chapultepec' on September 13, 1847. Teatro del Pueblo (Theater) A modern construction which is home to many different cultural events, expositions, shows and spectacles. Regional Museum of Anthropology and History The mansion that houses the museum was built in the 18th century and once belonged to the Count of Miravalle. In its displays you can see Prehistoric remains, archeological findings, maps of Mesoamerican culture and ethnological charts as well as displays of Coras and Huichols. Aramara Visual Arts Museum Eight salons exhibiting pictorial works in watercolor, china tint, pastel, oil, pencil, vinyl and acrylic, along with literature salons, musical works and other projects. Museum of folk art "Casa de los Cuatro Pueblos" Shown in its salons are diverse pieces of Huichol, Cora, Tepehuana and Mexicanero artwork with documentation of the customs and traditions of said ethnic groups and some other examples of Nayarit folk art. Amado Nervo House and Museum This was where the famous poet Amado Nervo was born on August 27, 1870. On display are maps of the city of Tepic in 1880, the baptism certificate of the poet as well as photos, paintings, biographies, books, his death certificate and a bronze bust in his honor. Emilia Ortiz Museum This museum has oil paintings, acrylics and montages by Emilia Ortiz as well as works by the artist Pedro Cassant. La Loma and Alameda Parks These large green areas form a recreational space of sport's installations, rides, a miniature train, open-air theater, charro ring, monuments and a library. Aguamilpa Dam This hydroelectric masterpiece is located in the Sierra de Picachos and is considered unique for its 187 meters (613 feet) high face. Among its many benefits, aside from electrical production and flood control, it has brought better communications with the indigenous peoples of the zone, more tourism, fishing and agriculture. There is a dock where you can take boat rides, go fishing or water skiing. The landscape is described as being "a spectacle in itself, full of color, majestic beauty, peace and quiet", but I would say this is a slight exaggeration!!! I have not yet met too many dams that would fall into the majestic beauty category!!! If barren could be considered majestic, then majestic Aquamilpa is!!!