Monclova
This city has witnessed key moments in Mexico’s history. Visiting it means discovering museums, colonial architecture, and cultural spaces that narrate its evolution from viceregal times to its role as an industrial powerhouse.
Monclova is the third most populous municipality in the state, renowned for being the top steel producer in all of Mexico and Latin America, earning it the nickname “The Steel Capital.”
This city has witnessed significant events in Mexican history and, for years, served as the capital of Coahuila and Texas. It endured waves of political change over the centuries, evolving from an agricultural region into a major industrial hub in northern Mexico.
In Monclova, visitors can explore a variety of museums:
Coahuila-Texas Museum: Housed in a building dating back to 1794, originally constructed as the Royal Hospital by order of the Governor of the Province of Coahuila and Texas, Don Antonio Cordero y Bustamante.
El Polvorín Museum: This building was built in 1781 as a fort and gunpowder storage for the Spanish. After Independence, it was abandoned until the early 20th century, when it was repurposed as a school and later as a Red Cross blood hospital.
Pape Library Museum: Constructed between 1972 and 1977 at the initiative of Harold R. Pape and Suzanne Lou Pape, designed by architect Antonio Harb with museographic concepts by Carlos Valdés and Jorge Bribiesca. It opened on August 14, 1977, with the goal of showcasing contemporary Mexican and international art, as well as various archaeological collections from across the country.
A faithful witness to Monclova’s rich history, the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, built in the 18th century, stands in the city center. Its elegant colonial architecture blends neoclassical, late baroque, and Gothic styles, crafted from sillar stone with a three-story bell tower, making it one of the city’s main attractions.
The iconic Cristo de la Bartola is a monument dedicated to the faith and hope of Monclova’s residents. Constructed in 2020 and inaugurated in 2021, it stands 41.5 meters tall, weighs 52 tons, and rests on a 230-ton foundation. A viewpoint offers sweeping views of Monclova and Frontera.
Monclova also features beautiful parks such as Parques Xochipilli, which combine natural, cultural, and recreational spaces for family enjoyment, created by the Pape family.
The Eco Parque Monclova houses the state’s only zoo, home to over 50 animal species, along with a variety of activities for visitors. Admission is free, offering a natural retreat for everyone.
Finally, Estadio Monclova, now known as Estadio Kickapoo Lucky Eagle, is home to the Acereros baseball team, a club with a rich history in the Mexican Baseball League. With a capacity of around 8,500 spectators, it has witnessed thrilling games and hosted generations of passionate fans.
