At first glance, the history of Oaxaca seems complex due to the depth and vastness of all that is implied. It would take a lifetime inquiring into the heart of the events that have come to form the ethnic plurality that now embraces us, and yet another lifetime to comprehend all that comes with it and perhaps a little more just to understand it.

And so, all that we can really do is just to enjoy it by letting the current, the legacy of humanity, carry us gently, as we listen to the water lapping on the stones, down a river that flows into a multicultural sea. Taking all this into account, we should not omit the places so mystical, so essential, that a visit in chronological order might allow us to grasp the always surprising knowledge of how such a great pueblo (town) has developed.

As always, a good start is to visit the majestic archeological ruins of Monte Alban, cradle of the Zapotec forbearers, and which some experts qualify as the first great city of the Americas.

The Zócalo is always a spot where you can see a large part of the colonial history, whose marvelous building now house restaurants and cafes, as well as Alemeda Park and the recently restored cathedral.

You can also visit one of the oldest churches located on Armenta y López, the Temple and Ex-Convent of San Agustín, as well as, the Temple and Ex-Convent of San Juan de Díos, the oldest church in Oaxaca. From here we can choose to visit the Temple of Santo Domingo which displays a series of artistic and religious symbols all of which exhibit the beauty of the Churrigueresque style. Just a few steps away you will find the Cultural Center of Santo Domingo that includes the fantastic Cultural Museum of Oaxaca where you can take a magical journey through history of Oaxaca and where you can easily spend an entire day.

In the museum is the Francisco Burgoa library where the oldest texts in Oaxaca are kept. On the grounds of this cultural center you will also see the Ethno-Botanical Garden where you can choose to sign-up for a free tour.

The recently restored Macedonio Alcalá Theatre is worth a visit not only for the beautiful architecture but also for the magnificent shows which occur on an ongoing basis.

Oaxaca has shared the spotlight with many great artists over the years and over the last few decades has become what many call the cultural epicenter of Mexico. So you should take the time to tour the Walkways of Macedonio Alcalá paved with the traditional green cantera volanic (stone) which is ubiquitous in Oaxacan architecture as you will see when you visit art galleries such as the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Oaxacan Institute of Graphic Arts founded by the world renowned artist, Francisco Toledo, more than fifteen years ago.

The Central Historical district is a place where distinct artistic and cultural manifestations unfold. Such is the case with Casa de Juárez located at 609 Garcia Vigil, The Philately Museum, unique in all of Mexico, and located at 504 Reforma, the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art at Morelos 503 or the Manuel Alvarez Bravo Center for Photography at 302 Murguía. For sculpture you can delight the senses at galleries such as Arte de Oaxaca operated by the foundation of deceased painter Rudolfo Morales and located at 105 Murguía, the Galería Quetzalli on 104 Constitución and Galería Indigo at 104 Allende, just to name a few.

And so it is, that a visit to these magical sites within the City of Oaxaca can easily transform into several days which, in the end, will surely allow us a glimpse of the culture of a pueblo that has essentially remained in tact for centuries.