Marfil

Marfil is about 3 km (2 mi.) s.w. of Guanajuato off Mex. 110; the old road to Marfil (Camino Antiguo a Marfil) winds into a valley. At the height of this former mining town's prosperity in the late 19th century, numerous silver mines operated and luxurious mansions lined the streets. Marfil was devastated in 1905 when La Olla Dam burst, killing many of the residents. In recent years Marfil has experienced a rebirth, with ongoing renovations sprucing up some of the long-neglected haciendas of the mine owners.