City of Oaxaca in Oaxaca, Mexico
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 Huatulco and Puerto Escondido on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Smaller locales include Puerto Angel and Pochutla.
Notable attractions include:
Santo Domingo Church
The City of Mitla
The Basilica de la Soledad
The Ocotlan de Morelos
In 2006, widespread political demonstrations, sparked by a teacher strike, turned violent and impacted tourism to the area. Towards the end of 2006, peace was restored by the Mexican Federal Police who sent troops to the city. Life has since returned to its original laid back ways and tourists are again finding their way to this beautiful capital city in the valley of the mountains.