Real de Catorce Vacation Rentals, Condos, Villas and Beach Rentals
Real de Catorce
is a ghost town, of sorts, located in the dry, rugged mountains of central Mexico. It is a former silver-mining town, which was once the second richest source of silver in all of Mexico. Hidden in the remote, vast mountains, it is easy to picture the fabled Real de Catorce of yesteryear with its forgotten mines, cemetery surrounded by a high fence and picturesque chapels. It is located at an altitude of over 9,000 feet and was established in the late 1700s with the opening of the first silver mines. The town quickly prospered and became a thriving community with a rich society, which continued until the unrest of the early 1900s, which led to the Mexican Revolution. Today tourism is expanding in Real de Catorce and it is trying to move beyond its’ “ghost town” image. Local attractions include the Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1780, which is the focal point of the town and brings thousands of pilgrims each year to pay homage to the patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4th. This religious holiday is a weeklong event with music, dance and processions. The Casa de la Moneda is a three-story building that is said to be haunted by the ghost of Don de la Maza, who is seen moving about and counting his hoard of silver. Outdoor recreational activities in the mountains near Real de Catorce include horseback riding, rock climbing, rappelling and photographic safaris into the mountains.
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