A mining center since its founding by the Spanish in 1548, "the city with the pink stone face and silver heart" received its name from the enormous amounts of silver it sent to Spain. After a long decline in silver production, Zacatecas has once again become one of Mexico's top producers. Elegant, almost regal, and a true colonial gem, it is one of Mexico's most photogenic cities and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. Beautifully preserved pink stone buildings adorned with delicate wrought iron balconies line a labyrinth of spotless narrow streets that twist and turn through the city.
