I have always enjoyed photographing decaying places like the old mining town of Real de Catorce in the state of San Luis Potosi. This once-bustling community is now often referred to as a "ghost town," and indeed the inhabitants of Real de Catorce began deserting their homes and businesses after nearby silver mines started drying up in the late 19th century. These days, however, many of the ghosts have been replaced by tourists and religious pilgrims who come to pay homage to a supposedly miraculous statue of Saint Francis de Assisi ensconced in the parish church. As a result of its new-found popularity, Real de Catorce boasts several comfortable hotels and what has to be the largest number of authentic Italian restaurants per capita of anywhere in Mexico.
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Real de Catorce, Mexico - Images by John Mitchell
