Real de Asientos
Read more
Slide to the left to continue
◈ In Aguascalientes’ semi desert, this tiny town will delight you with surprises and thrills. Stepping into the church or former convent will give you a jolt of faith in the presence of Our Lady of Bethlehem or the Señor del Tepozán. Venture into underground tunnels, admire religious art, see the state’s first cemetery, or wander along the aqueduct, and you will be transported to the Real de Minas of time gone by when it prospered as a mining town. If you would like to get a closer look, who knows? Maybe you’ll start shooting arrows just like the Chichimec people ages ago.
- Explore the tunnels under the church with a local guide.
- See the town aboard Piojito, a charming tourist train.
- Hike up to Capilla del Cerrito.
Get a close-up look at the art in the pinacotheca of the Parroquia y Museo del Ex Convento del Señor del Tepozán.
❖ Santuario de Guadalupe
This church’s pink limestone front frames the figure of the Virgen de Guadalupe above the doorway and the high choral window.
Built in 1765 by order of Father Tadeo Bueno de Bessori, it houses paintings by Teodoro Ramírez portraying Jesus and the twelve disciples. There is an interesting adjoining cemetery laid out across different levels and a few niches to keep social and ecclesiastical hierarchies even in the afterlife.
❖ Museo del Minero
The stories from the age of splendor that resulted from silver production are recorded in this museum.
It is dedicated to honoring the memory of the miners. You can see some of the rocks that come from the mines and even mammoth bones. It sits to one side of the Town Hall.
❖ Templo y Ex Convento del Señor del Tepozán
This colorful church stands in marked contrast with the stern cloister, occupied by Franciscan monks.
It was erected in the beginnings of the 17th century and features some peculiar architectural characteristics for the age. There are multi-level floors, small cells, and tight doorways. It carries the name of the miraculous Christ found in a tepozol tree. The former convent now holds old religious objects and a space exhibiting information on the small African population in the state and its culture.
❖ Walk the Ruta del Artesano, Between Stone and Clay
Get ready to spend two hours learning about the handicraft workshops and old roadways that made up the Ruta de la Plata.
If you would like to know more about the work of local artisans, take this route that stops at workshops dedicated to pottery, shaping stone, and copper. You can also stroll along the Corredor Minero.
❖ Taste the Flavors of Real de Asientos
Don’t end your trip without a taste of this Magical Town’s cuisine.
Sample the stuffed gordita corn cakes, Chichimec rabbit, asado de novia stew, and chicken in nine wines. Some of these are available in Museo del Minero’s restaurant. And, you have to try the guava candy and the sweet treats made with milk. Enjoy your chance to savor a refreshing drink made with prickly pear juice or guava flavored atole—a hot, corn-based beverage.
Image: Thelmadatter
❖ Tour Its Underground Tunnels
These tunnels were excavated during the end of the 18th century below the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Belén church. It is believed that they were intended to filter water and prevent flooding, but there are other theories. Whatever their origin, they are ingenious colonial-era waterworks. Get a closer look with a local guide.
❖ Fiesta al Señor del Tepozán
Este santo, patrono de los mineros y con muchos devotos en la región, tiene su festejo el primer domingo de julio en el ex convento que lleva su nombre. Los feligreses de los templos y barrios de la cabecera municipal se congregan en peregrinaciones hacia el Templo y ex Convento para venerar al Señor del Tepozán.
❖ Festival de Magia y Calaveras
Se venera a los difuntos con una celebración en la plaza principal que comienza desde el 30 de octubre hasta el 3 de noviembre, en la que se realizan altares monumentales, eventos culturales con alusión a la muerte, recorridos nocturnos en los centros turísticos, concursos y más.
❖ Fiestas en honor a Nuestra Señora de Belén
El cuarto domingo de enero tiene lugar la celebración más importante de Real de Asientos: la fiesta a Nuestra Señora de Belén; se ofician misas y los danzantes aparecen en el atrio de la parroquia; también se hacen procesiones por las principales calles del pueblo.
Otras festividades
❖ Vía crucis viviente
❖ Feria de Aniversario
de Fundación del Pueblo
