Catedral Basilica de Zacatecas

Other than the aqueduct, the Cathedral is the most popular tourist visitor attraction in Zacatecas.  We visited on a Sunday morning so it was not an opportune time to walk around inside and take photographs among the parishioners.  And it's hard to get far enough away from the cathedral for a camera lens to capture the entire building, the width, height and majesty.  So I apologize for this photograph.  But in any case, it's beautiful.

You can read about on Wikipedia and learn about the texture on the façade and when it was built.  One of these days, I will do the same.

The columns give you some idea of the rest of the façade, but basically it's very intricate hand carved stone.

I found it interesting that the hands on most of the human figures have been removed, on purpose or vandalized, who knows.  Perhaps the hands were removed to facilitate the installation of chicken wire to prevent pigeons leaving their gracious gifts.  I hope the hands are safe and stored somewhere in the cathedral.

The major doors are very impressive, and large.  But I found this small service door to be charming even though, or because, it's beginning to weather and deteriorate at the lower end.  Apparently, judging by the holes in the stone, there was some sort of decoration or weather protection that has been removed.

Zacatecas, once you leave the outskirts of the historical center, gives you the feeling of being in Spain during the colonial era.  All the signs are hand painted on the front of the buildings.  The electrical wires are pretty well hidden and the only clues that you are indeed in Mexico, is that the cars are mostly American.  By the way, feel free to include corrections of spelling, facts, poor writing or any mistakes whatsoever in the comments.  I am writing this from the comfort of our comfortable and delightful place in San Miguel de Allende, about which you will see here soon.  Adios till next time.