The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro runs directly through the complex of the Antigua Hacienda de Peñuelas. This gives Peñuelas a concrete connection to a historic route, in addition to its architectural history. The hacienda also tells a story of agriculture, livestock raising, and supply; its buildings and economic history offer different perspectives on the place.

The Hacienda’s Economic History

The Hacienda de Peñuelas was founded in 1612. In the 18th century, it began raising fighting bulls. At the same time, it supplied mining centers in northern New Spain with meat, milk, corn, beans, wheat, barley, and dried chiles. This range of products shows that its historical role went beyond livestock raising: supplies included animal products as well as grains, beans, and chiles. This economic perspective adds another concrete dimension to Peñuelas’ architectural history.

Temple, Courtyard, and Building Phases

The hacienda’s core is one of the best-preserved haciendas in the region. Renovations have left it with architectural elements from both the Porfirian era and the Art Nouveau period. The Templo de la Purísima Concepción was built between 1847 and 1852 and is one of the first neoclassical temples in the state of Aguascalientes. The hacienda house is attached to the temple and has a small rectangular courtyard with stone arcades. When considering the architecture, the temple and house can be viewed as distinct reference points: the neoclassical style on one hand, and the smaller courtyard with its arcades on the other.

Church Interior and Virtual Tour

Inside the church of the Antigua Hacienda, remnants of its original structure have been preserved, including paintings, balustrades, a choir, and a pulpit. These details add surviving elements of the church interior to the complex’s architectural history. An available virtual tour also offers a digital view of the Casa Grande and its several courtyards. The former workers’ residential complex is also part of the site.

Plan Your Visit and Get to Know the Surroundings

The Hacienda de Peñuelas is inhabited. Special permission from the owners is required to visit its grounds; as the permission policy may change, confirm approval in advance. A short access road leads to the hacienda from Federal Highway 45. Old posters for bullfights involving Peñuelas-bred bulls hang in the courtyard corridors; preserved heads of fighting bulls are also on display. Check in advance whether these exhibits will still be on view when you visit.

Near Peñuelas (El Cienegal) are the Presa San Nicolás reservoir, mesquite woodland, and natural grassland. This offers two distinct areas of interest: the architectural and economic history of the hacienda complex, and the surrounding landscape. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Peñuelas, these cultural and natural features can help guide your choice of destination.

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