Take a Tour of Santa Maria Regla, the Biggest Old Property in Hidalgo, Mexico

Let’s walk into the subterraneous aisles and chambers of Santa Maria Regla, where slaves were forced to work at mining. At one point, more than 260 big fireplaces and chimneys that once smoked the sky of the basaltic region in Hidalgo MÃ?©xico burned here.

You’ve never run across such an interesting place, surrounded by a wonderful natural wall of hexagons, and a peaceful lake to admire, while you hear the story and enjoy a drink at the conditioned open bar.It was built between 1760 and 1762 by the order of Don Pedro Romero de Terreros, the Count of Regla (for his devotion to the Virgin of Regla) the richest man of the New Spain at that time. His wealth was so huge that he promised Carlos III to build silver rails for his transportation if he called him on. However the monarch never stepped on Mexican land.

The sobriety of the style resembles medieval architecture of the X century, with robust archery, dark rooms, solid stone thick walls. That’s why some movies like “Conan the Destroyer” and “The Mask of Zorro” have been filmed there.

We distinguish chimneys from the Spanish as well as from the English occupation, the last ones introduced red bricks and a new tower to the chapel. The artificial lake and the rustic hotel were recent, nevertheless they respect the original construction.

The mineral extracted from the seam La Vizcaina, in Real del Monte, Hidalgo, was processed in Sta. MarÃ?­a Regla. Pedro Romero contributed to the crown of Spain with the 5fth part of the gold obtained. Workers didn’t live too long, intoxicated by released gases in the process. There’s a long aisle where sick men were left without any attention. You still seem to be asked for help when you pass.

Weather you plan to stay or just to walk around, it’s an unforgettable experience to be there. The really interesting is when you dare to explore underground, it turns freaking as you perceive strange shadows and “presences”. Is it your imagination?

There is a secret passage and it’s supposed to lead to Pachuca Hidalgo, the capital, but for your own security it’s closed to people. Oldest men say that it was common to create a passageway to escape for an instance, but the workers were sacrificed at the end so that only the owner knew about it. There are many secrets you may discover by talking to the guides, also you might have an abnormal experience. Don’t worry, the hotel lays separated from the old estate, no ghost will harass you.

When you go, take advantage to visit the Basaltic stones and waterfall nearby, and of course to eat a fresh trout, cooked in many delicious ways. Also you may walk over the magic town of Huasca de Ocampo, where you’ll find a traditional market to delight yourself with Mexican snacks. On Saturday nights there’s usually a fair to get fun, just remember to take enough cash because there’s no automated teller machine around.

Want to meet a marvelous place full of history, surrounded by a natural view? Remember to visit Santa Maria Regla, 4km from Huasca Hidalgo. Collective transportation is available at the center of Pachuca, near the famous clock. Once you’re in Huasca it costs about $ 50 MNX = 4 USD to have a cab take you to the place. On the way you cross the famous Hotel San Miguel Regla, which was another property of Romero de Terreros’, but it’s a topic for the next time. Thank you.