During its first years of existence, it showed a slow rate of growth,
and life in it was extremely tough. Its population -in the late
18th century- hardly exceeded 250 inhabitants. But it turned out
to be that the uncouth nature of
Monterrey was
keeping a considerable wealth in store: natural gas. A resource
that in due time would sustain the growth of the city over the forthcoming
years, transforming into one of the most important industrial cities
in the Country.
Although its present features make some people assert that it resembles
a North American city -due to its industrial progression and to
the many sprouting enterprises-
Monterrey is also
one of the most cultured and conservative cities in Mexico, and
regardless of the great distance that separates it from Capital
City of the Country (957 kilometres), its sons are proud wardens
of their home Country.
Nowadays,
Monterrey -the third City in importance
in Mexico- produces more than 50 per cent of the total manufactures
exported by the Country. This prosperity reflects upon its lively
cultural activities and on the modernity of its new buildings, whose
architectonical futuristic designs bring contrast and ostensibly
enhance the aged grace of its colonial buildings.
A city of contrasts: antique and modern mingle at ease in here. Restless on its centre, its core, its marrow, its showy and attractive heart. The unique Megaplaza, containing a lighthouse tower of more than 70 metres height, lightening the city with its beams during the night. A Baroque styled Cathedral, built in the 17th century. The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Museum of Modern Arts, regarded as one of the best in the world of its kind.
A urbane heart that holds evidence of the centuries of past history
in
Monterrey, and that assembles, in its grounds,
many different concepts and architectonical designs. This is a core
in which old buildings still endure, as the Palacio de Gobierno,
done in a neoclassical style which construction began in the late
19th century, presenting a façade made in pink quarry stone.
But
Monterrey not only offers asphalt and cement
to its visitors, but natural paradises, superb refuges of wildlife,
with forests of pines and evergreen oaks and numbers of adventurous
possibilities: trekking, climbing, rappel, mountain biking and horse
riding, among other activities in the wilderness.
The strength of nature often reveals in plenty other ways. As in its canyons, like the Huasteca, which sheer cliff walls attract more daring climbers by the day. Or the caves of Garcìa, namely the largest caves in Mexico, a forest of stalactytes and stalagmites, on a point located 80 metres high, which can be overcome aboard an elevated cable tram.
Back in the city. Into its restless nights, swarming with nightclubs, restaurants and other nocturnal establishments, where diner becomes a real pleasure, an edible feast that relies upon meat, assuming the form of some superb dishes like cabrito asado, the fritada de borrego and the all Mexican flavoured tortillas de maiz, that are so well complemented with the traditional Gloria de linares, a desert based on goat's milk.
Monterrey can surely be regarded as a destination
filled with uncounted attractions. Its modern face cannot be an
excuse to dismiss it from your travelling schedule. On the contrary,
it turns out to be a stage that will fully justify your choice,
because its streets comprise both faces of Mexico. Its past, filled
with history, and its present, boldly challenging the future.
