Founded in 1531, the old colonial city of Santiago de Querétaro offers the uniqueness of having preserved its original indigenous core with winding streets, along with the geometric layout of the streets traced by the Spanish. This is a clear reflection of how the Otomí, Tarasco, Chichimeca, and Spanish populations peacefully coexisted in this city.

The city showcases its history through the covered streets and the civil and religious buildings characterized by their elaborate Baroque style, most of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These beautiful constructions blend with pedestrian walkways paved with pink quarry stone, lovely squares, fountains, pleasant gardens, and monuments.

Within the World Heritage property, there are 1,400 listed buildings, the vast majority being residential buildings. Twenty buildings have religious uses, and fifteen are used for public services. Some of the most outstanding are: Templo y Ex convento de San Agustín, its dome is one of the most beautiful in Mexico and its cloister is considered the most amazing baroque patio in America. Antiguo Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, Cathedral of Querétaro, features both baroque and neoclassical styles, with an emphasis on straight lines and few curves. Templo y Convento de la Cruz, with a 16th Century quarry cross carved by Chichimecas hands. Templo y ex convento de San Francisco de Asís, the first religious construction of the city Templo y ex convento de El Carmen. Real Beaterio de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, with an unique Mudejar architecture influence. Templo y ex convento de Teresitas, maximum baroque expression of the 18th century.

Among the residential buildings are: Casa de la Corregidora, the Headquarters of the Executive Power of the State, where the independence of Mexico began. Teatro de la República, Casa de la Marquesa built in the 18th Century, Don Bartolo and la “Casa de los Perros”.

It is also important to mention the lovely fountains and pleasant gardens along the historic center.

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