Today we celebrate the 495th anniversary of the founding of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. Founded on March 31, 1528 by the Spanish conquistador Diego de Mazariegos, in what was then the territory of the Tzotzil ethnic group. The city was named after the patron saint of its founding day, Saint Christopher.
Initially, the city was established in the Jovel Valley, about 20 kilometers north of its current location. However, due to problems with flooding and hostility from the area’s indigenous peoples, the city was moved in 1531 to its current location in the central highlands of Chiapas.
During the colonial era, San Cristóbal de las Casas became an important commercial and religious center, with a large number of churches, convents, and public buildings built in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The city was also the seat of the Bishopric of Chiapas, which gave it great prestige in the region.
After the independence of Mexico in 1821, San Cristóbal de las Casas became the capital of the state of Chiapas. However, in 1892, the capital was transferred to Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Today, San Cristóbal de las Casas is an important tourist and cultural center, with a rich history and architectural heritage that is reflected in its streets, squares, and historic buildings.
San Cristóbal de las Casas is known for its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and vibrant culture. The city has a rich indigenous heritage and is home to many indigenous communities, including the Tzotzil and Tzeltal peoples.
The historic center of the city is home to numerous churches, museums and traditional markets, such as the Mercado de Santo Domingo and the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías. San Cristóbal de las Casas is also a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure tourism, with nearby attractions such as the Sumidero Canyon and the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.
In recent years, San Cristóbal de las Casas has become a hub for alternative and sustainable living, attracting a growing number of expats and digital nomads who are drawn to the city’s laid-back pace of life, its natural beauty and your creative energy.
Source: Mexico Travel Channel
