Oaxaca City is the capital of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. It used to be known as Oaxaca de Juárez named after the famous 1800′s era president and national hero Benito Juárez who was born there. The history of Oaxaca dates back to approximately 500 B.C. when, it is theorized, that the Olmec Mexicans presided over this valley in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains at 5,500 feet above seal level at Monte Albán. Soon after the Zapotec Mexicans gained control of the area and Monte Albán was transformed in their architectural style.
The zócalo is the main square in the center of the downtown area, set in a Baroque architectural style, and is a popular place to congregate. The square is lined with cafés and restaurants and the immediate surrounding area is filled with upscale hotels, restaurants and a bustling nightlife.
‘Black pottery’ from is the result of a proprietary technique, developed by the Zapotecs in Coyotepec, in which the artisans mold, dry and carve intricate designs and patterns into the surface. They then kiln the clay also known as ‘Barra Negro’ and in the last step in the kiln, the pottery is exposed to oxygen which produces the black color for which it is known.
In addition to the capital the other main cities of Oaxaca are the beach resort towns Bahias de Huatulco and Puerto Escondido home of the Mexican Pipeline and the famous surf beach Playa Zicatela on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Smaller locales include Puerto Angel, Mazunte, Zipolite Beach and Pochutla.
Notable attractions include:
Santo Domingo Church
The City of Mitla
The Basilica de la Soledad
The Ocotlan de Morelos
Tourists are find their way time and again to this beautiful capital city in the valley of the mountains.
