Monterrey was founded more than 400 years ago in the middle of mountains. The Cerro de la Silla is the symbol of this "City of Mountains." Other surrounding mountains include the Sierra Madre, Cerro de las Mitras, Topo Chico and El Mirador.
A fine view of the old and new in Monterrey can be had from El Obispado (Downtown Monterrey Map F-1). This massive, domed hilltop structure dates from the late 1700s. Built as a bishop's residence, it has served as a fort (and quarters for the revolutionary Pancho Villa) and is now an interesting museum.
Downtown, the Gran Plaza (Zona Rosa Map), a long pedestrian corridor that is said to be one of the world's largest public squares, links
government buildings of varied styles, elegant fountains and the striking Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO), or Contemporary Arts
Museum. Behind the Baroque-faced Catedral de Monterrey (built 1603-1753) on the plaza is Barrio Antiguo, or the Old Quarter, fifteen or so blocks dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. This is a neighborhood coming to life with studios, shops, restaurants and night life Thursday to Saturday, including live music performances.
On Plaza Hidalgo (Zona Rosa Map), shoppers will like the handicrafts at Carapan, including hand-loomed rugs, shawls and hand-blown glass. Other shops can also be found on nearby Av. Morelos.
Recent developments in Parque Fundidora (Monterrey Map E-4) will be of interest to the whole family-the Sesame Street Theme Park,
Cintermex, Cineteca, the first stage of the FedEx Cart Serie and Centro de las Artes.
Only 30 minutes south from downtown Monterrey is Santiago and the magnificent Cola de Caballo waterfalls (Monterrey Map G-4/5). Walk or ride horses along the scenic path and picnic along the river or near the falls. Just 45 minutes southwest of Monterrey, near García town, are the caverns of Grutas de García (Monterrey Map E-1),
discovered in 1843 and 60 million years old. The caverns can be reached by a brand new cable railway; inside are 16 caverns over a mile long. Take the 90 minute tour and view the spectacular crystalline formations, stalagmites, stalactites and petrified seashells.
All year Monterrey offers music, dance and theater activities. Check the local newspapers for these worthwhile events. The century-old Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery (Downtown Monterrey Map A-4) has a beer garden where they offer free samples. Salud!