Fresnillo

Fresnillo is a mining and railroad town about one hour northwest of the capital of Zacatecas. And like any good second city, the next-biggest city in Zacatecas has all the claims on greatness that the capital boasts, but without the clamor, and crowds, and bravado. It's a truly fascinating place to visit, and not surprisingly, one that is especially rewarding for those arriving by bus. 

The bus station has been decorated with important public murals created by artist, Mateo Gallegos Campo (1938-2000) in the early 1980s. These are among the many public works that he painted all over the city and many of which have since been lost to time, or demolition, or neglect. The paintings remain a very strong introduction to the town where silver mining, and industry long held the imaginations of the people and families here.  

People visit Fresnillo today because of its long history as a center for silver mining, and as a pilgrimage site for the Catholic sanctuary in nearby Platero. It's a sprawling northern town of trucks and equipment, but also one proud of it's intellectual and cultural contribution to the life of larger Zacatecas, and probably to the north of the country. 

People visit the couple of strong museums, but also the Los Jales ecological park, with a surprising variety of deep canals, lakes, and waterways. It's an education center, and part of a re-constituted mine works and usually a very good place for adventure. 

Fresnillo is surrounded by rich farmland, and rolling hills, when it's not breaking out into majestic mountains, cliff faces and stark areas of cold desert and wilderness. Founded in 1554, the city is still a fantastic place to visit, and one unique on the Mexican landscape.

Most visitors will arrive from the Capital, and the route is well served by all the major bus lines. The airport is nearly in between the two cities on Mexican Federal route 45. From Saltillo, expect the trip to take upwards of six hours, and most bus lines will still route you through the Zacatecas capital. From Durango, Chihuahuenses, Rojo de los Altos, and Futura all make the roughly three-hour journey a few times a day.