Secluded Mountain Town in Mexico brimming with historical richness and endearing charm, dubbed as 'Little Cornwall'
Nestled in the heart of east-central Mexico, Real del Monte (or Mineral del Monte) presents an unexpected fusion of Mexican magic and British charm. This captivating town, perched on a mountain pass, is approximately 90 minutes to two hours by car or bus from Mexico City, and just over an hour-and-a-half from Mexico City's main international airport, Benito Juarez.
Once developed by Cornish migrants in the 1800s, Real del Monte boasts a rich history and a distinctive British influence. The town thrives around its central plaza, a lively and bustling hub surrounded by colorful houses and an eye-catching church.
The mining region around Real del Monte is one of the largest and most productive in the world, having produced around 1.2 billion Troy ounces of silver and 6.2 million ounces of gold since they opened. The Silver King, William Tadey, a British entrepreneur, bought the silver mines in Real del Monte in the second half of the 19th century, earning him this prestigious title.
Real del Monte's most iconic landmark is undoubtedly Casa Rule, a French Renaissance-style mansion that once served as the home of Francis Rule, another Silver King. Today, it stands as Pachuca's town hall. Overlooking the town, the Cornish (or English) cemetery is filled with gravestones and crypts bearing English names, a poignant reminder of the town's history.
For those seeking an immersive historical experience, the Acosta mine, one of the Silver King's largest and most productive operations, has been transformed into a museum. Visitors can don hard hats and descend 1,312 feet to explore the shafts and tunnels of the mine.
Real del Monte is also home to the Museum of Occupational Medicine, built by British immigrants in 1908 to provide medical services to the miners. Today, it serves as a testament to the hardships and resilience of the town's early inhabitants.
The town's restaurants offer a unique blend of Cornish pasties, now with local Mexican twists. And for those seeking a fun backdrop for social media photos, the colorful town "letters" in Real del Monte provide a vibrant and instagrammable setting.
Beyond Real del Monte, Mexico offers a diverse array of unique and interesting destinations. From swimming beneath crystalline underground rivers to exploring bubblegum pink lakes, there's no shortage of adventure. Mexico is more than just beaches and jungle adventures; it also offers dramatic mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, fairytale towns, and immersive art exhibits.
Real del Monte, one such Pueblo MΓ‘gico, located in the mountains of Hidalgo, near Pachuca and around 65 miles from Mexico City, is a must-visit for any traveller seeking a taste of Mexico's rich history and unexpected cultural fusion.
