Founded in 1529, Oaxaca is 1,500 meters above sea level, and it has a warm mountain climate.
Most of its population in native; nevertheless, it has a superb Spanish colonial architecture, very well conserved.
Most of its attractions are downtown, where it is important to tour and admire its beautiful streets. The main square of this city is surrounded by trees and terraces with restaurants and bars.On the south side, we find the Government Palace, with an impressive mural showing the history of the city.To the north, we find the beautiful baroque façade of the Cathedral of Oaxaca. Two block away, is the church of San Felipe Neri, where Benito Juárez, one of the fathers of the Mexican Reformation, got married. A bit further, we bump into the basilica ‘Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.’
Interesting to visit are the museums ‘Rufino Tamayo’, and the Regional Museum of Oaxaca. The first one shows a collection of pre Colombian pieces recollected and donated by this great Oaxacan painter. The second one, installed in the beautiful cloister of an old monastery, has a remarkable collection of jewels. Next to this, we have the monastery of Santo Domingo, the most admirable Church of Oaxaca.
This city also stands out by its markets, where there are spices of the zone, and typical Oaxacan crafts.
To observe a panoramic view of the city, you may visit the statue of Benito Juárez on ‘El Fortín’ Hill.