Location: Bernal is a mystical and enigmatic destination with great historical and cultural relevance, located at 54 km. from the capital of Quéretaro. The Bernal word is of Arabic origin and means rock. Thanks to its unique Peña and rescue of the urban image, in February 2006, it was awarded the rank of Magic Town. This population has been the scene of several shootings of national and international reputation.
Bernal was founded in 1642, when several Spanish families took possession of these lands robbing the chichimecas indigenous. From 1941 to date, is governed by a Municipal Delegation, in the municipality of Ezequiel Montes.
Location: Either from the Federal District or Querétaro, take Federal Highway No. 57 Mexico-Querétaro to shift to the Sierra Gorda, joining State Highway No. 100 and at 34 km. You will find Bernal. Distances in miles Bernal to Mexico City, 195; to Ezequiel Montes, 13; to Jalpan de Serra, 130; to Santiago de Querétaro, 59, of San Juan del Rio, 50.
Attractions:
The Castle
This colonial-type building, built in the seventeenth century, is one of the most important in the political history of Bernal. In front tower stands a beautiful watch of German origin, which was placed to commemorate the beginning of the twentieth century. Currently, this building houses the offices of the Municipal Delegation.
Ánimas Chapel
This chapel, also known as the Animitas, dates from XVIII century and was built in honor of all the souls in purgatory. Its attractive design is due to the small size of the atrium and altar. It has an outdoor theater and a park where visitors can take in addition to a break, great photos.
Santa Cruz Chapel
The chapel dedicated to Santa Cruz, whom the bernalenses venerate with great devotion, was built between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The tradition marks that the pilgrims must arrive at court on her knees under the sun, as payment of a heavenly debt.
San Sebastián Mártir Temple
Its construction began in 1700 and ended in 1725. It hasn’t a definite style, however, in the bell tower you can see the hand of the Indian artist. In addition, several windows were placed recently worth to admire.
Activities:
Peña de Bernal
This monolith of about 350 feet high and 10 million years old, is considered the third largest in the world after the Rock of Gibraltar in Spain and the Sugarloaf in Brazil. For his height and historical importance, this rock is the perfect place if you like climbing and abseiling.
Pedestrian Tours
A great way to enjoy Bernal is to go over its beautiful streets, visiting the first houses built in the seventeenth century. The Tourist Office offers two routes: the first tells the story of the people and the geology of the rock, the second narrates the founding of Bernal and the Ánimas procession.
Economy and Gastronomy
Bernal's economy is based on handicraft production and tourism. One of the expressions of bernalenses hands are crudely manufactured woolen goods looms over 100 years, such as shawls, rugs, pillows, jackets and blankets. Similarly, highlight the typical milk sweets and candied fruits.
Delight yourself with the prepared dishes in clay pots and rustic kitchens, such as red chili “gorditas martajadas”, delicious “enchiladas serranas” with corned beef, the saints nopales or lamb barbecue wrapped in maguey leaves.
Festivals and Fairs
Spring Equinox
Festival held from 19 to 21 March in the rock, where thousands of visitors flock to load from the energy emanating from the huge monolith. In addition, it presents an artistic and cultural program aimed to stage pre-Hispanic rituals.
Santa Cruz Festival
This festival runs from 1 to 5 May; the people rise to the top of the rock, where they put a cross, which lasts all year. Likewise, runs a marathon and a craft mask contest, the winners are displayed at the Mask Museum.
Useful phone numbers
Municipal Delegation
01 (441) 296 4126
Tourist Office of the Delegation of Bernal
01 (441) 296 4126
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