Located in the south of Sonora, this Magic Town will conquer you with its beautiful buildings that evoke its mining past, as well as the settings where the actress María Félix grew up.
Álamos: The “City of Portals” and where “La Doña” was born
Its origin dates back to 1683 when the La Europea vein was discovered, at the foot of the Sierra de Alamos, of surprising biodiversity, which led to its colonization. Other silver mines were exploited, making it the most important and richest city in the northwest of the country in the 18th century.
Álamos minted valuable gold, silver and copper coins in the 19th century, after its mining decline it was abandoned. Its current inhabitants rescued its image and today you can walk through its peaceful streets and enjoy its magnificent restored old mansions with beautiful interior courtyards, museums and historical buildings in each block. In addition, in this town in the southeast of Sonora grew "The Doña", María Félix, and now it is considered the most colonial city in the north due to the elegance of its buildings.
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Ostímuri was the original indigenous name of this town. After the colonization it was known as Real de los Frailes, due to the rocky fault that simulates two friars. Álamos was part of the states of Sonora and Sinaloa, after the separation of both states, it was part of Sinaloa. At the request of the city council, Álamos now belongs to Sonora.
Typical
In Álamos the crafts are varied, there are palm articles, brass objects, glass, clay and macramé, also textiles, rugs, woolen embroidery and sarapes. At Artisan market or in Chávez Crafts you will find the arts of the Guarijíos and the Mayos. According to the chronicles of the town, in the seventeenth century workshops were given to learn trades that united the talent of indigenous communities, such as La Mesa Colorada, Guajaray, Bavícora, El Paso and Basiroa. Hence, there is a large production of rustic wooden furniture; figures in lighter woods, such as chilicote.
He also buys jumping beans, seeds similar to beans, but inside them a larva grows that, in the heat, causes them to move and jump. You can get them at the town festivals.
This colonial city houses majestic buildings with peculiar arches that characterize it, mainly in the heart of the city. In the center you know:
Main square
An ideal place to take a break in its gardens, its kiosk is more than 100 years old. Next to it the facade of the city Hall, a construction from the year 1899 in which iron columns, large windows and a tower can be seen. In January, it boils with energy with the Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Cultural Festival.
Temple of the Immaculate Conception
A beautiful example of the 18th century Baroque style, its elegant architecture has three main naves and its interior preserves fine quality wooden furniture. Its architects were Juan Ross from Quereta and Camilo de San Martín from Durango, and they made it of stone and quarry. Today it is an emblem of the baroque style that was built in northern Mexico.
House of María Félix
It is located on Calle de Galeana 41. Currently it has a hotel and a restaurant, but there is also a museum dedicated to the diva. There you can see photographs, magazines and objects that the famous actress used.
Sonora Costumbrista Museum
The building is from the 17th century and is considered a national historic monument. But the property is as interesting as its collection: photographs, documents and machinery speak of the mining Alamos of yesteryear. In addition, there are workshops and artistic activities.
The Alameda
It is covered by the large trees that give this town its name. A few more steps and there is the Callejón del Beso, as in the city of Guanajuato, love stories have also emerged here.
Exchange house
A souvenir of the mining splendor of the area, it is where precious minerals were minted since 1827 for Mexico and other countries.
House of Culture: it is the Old Prison, a property that dates from the era of mining splendor.
Old Hacienda de los Santos
Now it works as a boutique hotel. It has beautiful gardens, pools and the emblematic arches of the town. It is worth visiting its restaurant that, in addition to regional food, offers delicious fish and seafood dishes with products that come directly from the Sea of Cortez.
Municipal Pantheon
It is a mysterious place, with crypts dating from the seventeenth century and that afterlife atmosphere that invites you to listen to legends of the region.
Customs
Eight kilometers to the west you will see this hidden place in the Sierra de Álamos where the La Libertad de la Quintera Mine was founded and worked. Even today it preserves the architectural vestiges of those years of production and prosperity. Our advice is to visit it at sunset, with a camera in hand. In addition, there is a church here dedicated to the Virgin of Valvanera, to which the inhabitants have great devotion.
Cuchujaqui Ecological Reserve
It is 12 kilometers away. It has almost 93,000 hectares of natural flora and fauna where ecotourism activities can be practiced.
Mocúzari dam
Largemouth bass, catfish and crappie abound in this area; ideal for a family day of fishing.
Also from Álamos is the tenor Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, known as "the tenor of America." In his honor, a music festival with his name is held in January.
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