Francisco Villa is without doubt one of the most important figures in the history of Mexico, and even more so for the city of Chihuahua. In the early twentieth century, the then Col. Francisco Villa occupied a house, today located at 3010 Tenth Street, just 20 blocks from the presidential palace in the city square.

Before dying, the widow of the so-called "Centaur of the North" donated the house to the Ministry of Defense, on the condition that it become a museum dedicated to the Revolution. After restoring the property, known as Quinta La Luz , on November 17, 1982 it was inaugurated as the Museum of the Revolution, one of the most important cultural venues in the country due to its collection.

There is no better way to get to know the city of Chihuahua than by touring through its 11 museums, which house faithful testimonies of the history and culture of this legendary city. At the Altar a la Patria, located in the current Government State Building in the historic downtown, we can see the tunnel where the father of independence, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, spent his last moments before being sent before the firing squad.

At this same spot, the Museo de Hidalgo was opened on July 30, 2004 where visitors can travel back through the days of the struggle for independence along the three exhibit halls. In the atrium of the Cathedral, you will find the entrance to what was previously known as the Hall of Treasure, or the Hall of Angels. During the 1980’s, this part of the cathedral was expanded through underground construction, where today, the Museo de Arte Sacro is located. On the premises of the nineteenth century Casa Chihuahua, to the west side of the Plaza Merino, sits the Museo Sebastian, whose three rooms hold various exhibits, and serve as headquarters for the Cultural Institute of the city.

The Centro Cultural Chihuahua was built in the late nineteenth century in a neo-classical style with carved stone and a central courtyard lined with columns and cast iron arches.  The center houses events, exhibits and has a movie theater.  The Museo Casa Redonda is part of a complex which also includes the city’s Convention Center, and it is a cultural space for contemporary art.  The museum also has a permanent exhibition on the history of railways in the state of Chihuahua, with lots of photos, documents and objects donated by individuals as part of the Chihuahua INAH Photo Gallery, which shows the evolution and importance of the railroad through history.

Also located in the historic downtown are; Museo de la Lealtad Republicana (Casa de Juarez), Quinta Gameros, Centro Semilla with interactive rooms for the whole family, and the Museo del Mamut which houses over 13 rooms dedicated to history of the Cenozoic Era, when the early reptiles and mammals reigned over the globe.

For golf lovers, the city of Chihuahua has two great courses: The Country Club, with 18 holes spread over 45 acres, 3 lakes, and over 4,000 trees, where families come to also enjoy tennis, racquetball, basketball, volleyball and horseback riding; and The San Francisco Golf Country Club, with 9 holes located in one of the most exclusive areas of the city, and has also swimming pools, tennis courts, racquetball, and a gym and steam room. In the city of Chihuahua, you will find the best shopping malls such as the Plaza del Sol, as well as a variety of top quality restaurants.  

Much of the city’s nightlife happens in the bars and cafes, where patrons can enjoy a drink with friends while dozens of groups or songwriters perform live music. Latin rhythms predominate in the air, spicing up the mood of the atmosphere, and spurring partiers to continue on to one of the city’s great clubs. Don’t forget to walk along Avenida Bolivar, where the Quinta Gameros is located offering a great place to stroll among cafes and bars.

And if you are looking for culture, the theatres and cinemas complement the cultural life of Chihuahua as well, including greats such as the Teatro de la Ciudad, in downtown with 840 seats and 6 boxes, and the Teatro de los Heroes, with a capacity for up to 1,486 attendees.

And don’t forget to visit the areas surrounding Chihuahua! Las Barrancas del Cobre, Urique and Tararecua form part of the continent’s largest geological complex.  Whisk away on a train ride where you will experience the extraordinary mountain landscapes with features like caves, caverns, canyons, waterfalls, forests, rivers, springs and an incredible biodiversity that will captures your senses.  Bring yourself closer to nature in this unique manner, and enter the magic and charm of the Sierra Tarahumara, the deserts and the greatness of an incomparable state.

There is no known historical or linguistic agreement as to the correct meaning and etymology of the word Chihuahua, yet there are six probable meanings which are derived when examining the Tarahumara, Nahuatl and Apache languages.  But what we do know is that this city is a tourist destination that offers pleasant experiences and unique moments. And so, continuing up through today ever since Chihuahua’s founding in 1709, the wealth of this city is reflected in its history, culture, modern industry, architectural beauty, mining history, and the extraordinary nature that surrounds this destination, which today proudly celebrates 300 years of life.

Chihuahua is a city that shines as a true land of discoveries.
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