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Posted By admin on January 20, 2010
San Sebastian is perhaps, one of the most enchanting places to visit in Mexico. This quiet city has retained the authenticity of its past while continuing to provide an idyllic place of retreat for anyone looking to get away from it all. Once you arrive, you will feel as if you have been transported to another time and place.
Established in the 16th century, San Sebastian still maintains most of its original structures. Cobblestone streets weave throughout the city, and original buildings constructed of adobe line the avenues. Lush, tropical bougainvillea flowers overflow the walls of the walkways and terraces of many of the buildings. With the city situated within a valley, the peaks of the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountain Range rise up grandly on all sides, creating a panoramic backdrop.
When the city was originally established, it made its living providing mineral resources to Spain. This created a successful economy and attracted more than 20,000 people to inhabit its walls. This in turn allowed for a huge growth and created jobs and technology. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1910 wiped out this mining source and the economic decline forced the city into hibernation. 500 years later, this “sleeping bear” has awoken and is beckoning tourists from all over to experience all it has to offer.
Although San Sebastian is just a quaint community of around 600 people, its inhabitants frequently throw festivals to honor their deep seated Catholic beliefs. On August 15, you can witness their festival to honor the Virgin of Asuncion, on October 7, the festival honors the Virgin of the Rosary, and on December 12, all of Mexico honors the Virgin of Guadalupe. For a beautiful spiritual encounter, you can visit the Temple of San Sebastian. It was originally built in 1608 and then restored after an earthquake in the 1850s. The church itself boasts beautifully painted cathedral ceilings and stately columns that line the sanctuary.
Among the aesthetic pleasures to experience is Café de Altura, a coffee plantation run by Rafael Sanchez Alvarado. Here you can purchase homegrown organic coffee and mocha blends and rest comfortably among the locals while sipping on the rich concoction. If you begin to feel the grumblings of hunger in your belly, not to worry, there is also a selection of fine local cuisine sure to satisfy any taste bud. Among the restaurants to enjoy are Real y Minas, El Fortin, Los Arrayanes, and Los Arcos. The variety of fare ranges from Italian to classic Mexican.
San Sebastian is a place to re-discover. Its colorful past and true Mexican spirit make it a “must see” on your itinerary. Make sure to bring a jacket (the temperature tends to cool at night), and a pair of a good walking shoes. Once you have experienced San Sebastian, you will alter your whole view on life.