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Interesting Facts
- The metropolitan city of Monterrey is encircled by the Sierra Madre Mountains, which puts the city at 1,800 feet above sea level. At this altitude there's much to see. One of the city's favorite sights is the ever-present natural supremacy of the Cerro de la Silla mountain range. In English the name translates to Saddle Mountain.
- Known for being a pillar of industry and commercial value in Mexico, this city originated in 1596. It boasts large iron, cement and steel manufacturing plants, and it's also a prominent exporter of glass products and beverages.
- Bearing the distinction of being the nation's third largest city, Monterrey is constantly abuzz with visitors from around the world doing business in this industrial gold mine. Therefore, many locals are fluent in English, facilitating an easy flow of communication between various cultures.
- The Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey is located here and stands as one of the nation's most esteemed universities. The courses at this renowned school focus primarily on technology and business, providing skilled employees ripe for the picking by the large industrial giants that shepherd the city.
- The history of Monterrey dates back to 1596 when it was officially started with the arrival of Don Diego de Montemayor and 12 other families. However, cave paintings and petroglyphs in the area reveal that Chichimeca nomadic tribes lived and worked this area prior to its colonialization.
- Two of the city's oldest manufacturers include the Cuauhtémoc Cervecería and the Compañía Fundidora de Fierro y Acero de Monterrey. These institutions produce alcoholic beverages and steel and iron respectively. Today guests can visit the brewery, Cuauhtémoc Cervecería, and take a tour of the historic factory as well as sample some free beer.
- Monterrey is the capital of the state of Nuevo León located in the northeastern region of Mexico. The city's population stands at just around 4 million people.
- Behind every city there's the story of the name, and in the case of Monterrey, it was named in honor of the Count of Monterrey who was the Viceroy of New Spain in 1596, the date of the city's founding.
- The city's main square, Gran Plaza or Macroplaza, is one of the largest in the world. It was constructed during the 1980s and features all manner of restaurants, shops and important government buildings. Within its domain, you'll find such important structures as the government palace, the municipal building and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Translating as "Old Neighborhood," the Barrio Antiguo is one of the city's hottest entertainment districts. Located east of the Gran Plaza, this exciting area boasts some of the old-world, colonial charm that much of Mexico is known for. Happening nightlife spots, charming cafes and eateries, and avant garde art galleries line the way, making it a perfect spot for tourists.
