| This strange metal sculpture at the southern edge of
Chihuahua is very odd. It is one of the tallest metal sculptures in the
world and is known as the 'Door'. It is by a local sculptor known as Sebastián. |  |
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We could not get a bus so we had to order up a taxi. It took us about 12
miles to the centre of the city and cost 200 pesos. This is the cathedral.
The outside is similar but not as over the top as that in Zacatecas. It took
over 100 years to build when funds were diverted to the war with the Apaches
and Comanches. |
| The font is in a chapel off to the side and has a
mural on the wall. |  |
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The inside is spectacular with venetian style crystal chandeliers and an
immense German organ, one of the best of its kind. |
| The entrance screen has sculptures facing into the
church. Given that churches preach peace, they have a lot of images with
swords. One of the chapels houses an image of the Black Christ of Mapimi
which was previously housed in the city's first temple which was also
located here. |  |
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This is the Casa Chihuahua. Constructed as a dwelling between 1887 and 1888
for Juan Terrazas, son of Don Luís, who
owned most of the state (an area larger than France). The inside is actually
very plain. Today it is an art museum dedicated to the work of the sculptor
Sebastián. |
| A view of the cathedral from the side showing the twin
towers and the dome. |  |
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This is the Palacio Municipal on the opposite side of the Plaza de Armas
from the cathedral. Built in 1865, part of it was sold to fund the visit of
President Juarez. |
| This impressive building is the Palacio Federal. It
was originally the site of a seminary built in 1718 for the Company of
Jesus. Following their expulsion in 1767 part of it became a military
hospital and another part served as a jail. In 1811 it housed revolutionary
leaders including Hidalgo. Later building work established a Mint and a post
office. The present building was inaugurated by Porfirio Díaz
to commemorate the first centenary of Mexican independence. Today it is a
museum of the heritage of Chihuahua. |  |
 | This is the Plaza Mayor, a large open square with its
tall column of Liberty surmounted by an angel. |
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On one side is the new Federal tower with its poetry on the side. |  |
 | Also in the square are three large statues. This is of
the cowboy with the bucking bronco and is titled El Jinete. |
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.Next to it is one of the Indian Apache leader Victorio. The statues are
recent dating from 2004. |  |
 | We walked out and around the city (next page). This is
the Semilla museum of science. Quite a futuristic building. |
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And over on the hillside is a huge cross and the number 300 although I'm not
sure what it means. It is undoubtedly much older and is visible from all
over the city. |  |
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