Sunday, February 08, 2015

Historic San Jose del Cabo



Before we went to this area of Mexico (Baja Peninsula) I thought that Cabo San Lucas was the larger, older town and San Jose del Cabo a smaller village where they just happened to put the airport. San Jose del Cabo is the original town and Cabo San Lucas younger. Both have a population around 70,000. (Cabo is the Spanish word for "cape," hence Los Cabos - the Capes.)
 

The younger town is much more of a touristy party town and we went there only once, for the whale watching tour. That was enough. I didn't like the feel of it at all.

In contrast, we walked to San Jose del Cabo several times. Yes, it's still touristy, but much quieter. The historic district has some lovely old buildings and interesting architecture.
 

The Jesuits established a mission in San Jose del Cabo in 1730. I wasn't able to discover when the cathedral was built, but much of it was destroyed in the 1918 hurricane and the building you see now was reconstructed using portions of the old walls.
 

The colourful painted walls in the historic district are enhanced by the strong light. Beautiful ironwork railings, lamps and doors add to the beauty.

Linking to Mosaic Monday, hosted by Judith of Lavender Cottage Gardening. 

24 comments:

  1. I think I'd prefer the less touristy areas, too. Lovely shots of the cathedral against the sky.

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  2. Wonderful architecture, historic mission and blue water - a nice area to vacation in. There used to be the ruins of an old Spanish mission near my grandparent's home in New Smyrna, Florida which was always fun to explore.
    Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday Lorrie.

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  3. I've never visited Mexico, but after seeing your photos I want to go someday. This area looks lovely, Lorrie.

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  4. Very pretty buildings and I really like the wrought iron trim and lamps. We've never been to Mexico and will probably never go so it's nice to see this historic side from a tourist. :) I hope you have a good week ahead.

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  5. Isn't it interesting how towns have personalities and some we like and others not so? I enjoyed seeing your photos of beautiful architecture and that deep blue water.

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  6. Lovely photos - it seems like a perfect spot to get away from it all.

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  7. The cathedral towers are beautiful. Lovely scenes from your Mexico trip! Thanks for sharing your visit, have a happy new week!

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  8. I'm usually drawn to the older architecture too, the places with fewer tourists and tourist shops. :)

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  9. I love that you are sharing your trip with us.
    The splashes of color amount the pastels is . . . So pretty :)

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  10. Oh the blue is just so refreshing Lorrie! xx

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  11. My eye went to the blues immediately, Very pretty, very restful. You need to find a warm place where there are no tourists, but all the amenities...rather ridiculous economically, but it would appeal to me.

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  12. I would love the historic town! Great photos!
    Blessings, Aimee

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  13. Oh, those colours!!
    I would love to visit the older town!

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  14. The colours and textures are magnificent~

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  15. A beautiful place, and what an amazing colour of blue in that first picture!! xx

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  16. What a lovely place to visit, Lorrie, and you've shared such colorful photos. I just came back from the Cancun area in Mexico. It was a wonderful time with17 other ladies.

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  17. I have never been to Mexico but you are making me dream of taking a trip!

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  18. So beautiful. I am happy to know that you had a good experience in Mexico. We used to go there (when we lived on the west coast) and have spent time in puerto Vallarta at a resort. But that all has been years ago ... We loved it so much, but one hears such sad and terrible stories lately. It makes me happy to know you were able to walk to this village.

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  19. Beautiful Lorrie! Give me an historic district over a touristy area anyday!! That mission cathedral is so interesting.

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  20. Lovely photos. Loving the brilliant blue color.

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  21. Love that brilliant blue. What a great trip. I love strolling through quiet historical areas as opposed to loud cities. Best wishes, Tammy

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  22. I'm glad they are restoring the damaged cathedral, such pretty bell towers. Did you get to hear them ring?

    Beautiful pictures!

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  23. Hi Lorrie,

    You've really inspired me to try to visit Mexico now. I had never really thought much about visiting before. These are BEAUTIFUL pictures!! I love the blue walls of the restaurant, and the cathedral looks really pretty. I'm with you; I would prefer the quieter town to the party town, as well. :)

    Your mosaics are wonderful, Lorrie; I hope you have a great week.

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  24. Beautiful! The colors are beautiful, especially that intense blue in the first photo.
    Thanks for sharing!

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