Let's walk into the subterraneous aisles and chambers of Santa Maria Regla, where slaves were forced to work at mining. At one point, more than 260 big fireplaces and chimneys that once smoked the sky of the basaltic region in Hidalgo México burned here. You've never run across such an interesting place, surrounded by a wonderful natural wall of hexagons, and a peaceful lake to admire, while you hear the story and enjoy a drink at the conditioned open bar.It was built between 1760 and 1762 by the order of Don Pedro Romero de Terreros, the Count of Regla (for his devotion to the Virgin of Regla) the richest man of the New Spain at that time. His wealth was so huge that he promised Carlos III to build silver rails for his transportation if he called him on. However the monarch never stepped on Mexican land. The sobriety of the style resembles medieval architecture of the X century, with robust archery, dark rooms, solid stone thick walls. That's why some movies like "Conan the Destroyer" and "The Mask of Zorro" have been filmed there. We distinguish chimneys from the Spanish as well as from the English occupation, the last ones introduced red bricks and a new tower to the chapel. The artificial lake and the rustic hotel were recent, nevertheless they respect the original construction. The mineral extracted from the seam La Vizcaina, in Real del Monte, Hidalgo, was processed in Sta. María Regla. Pedro Romero contributed to the crown of Spain with the 5fth part of the gold obtained. Workers didn't live too long, intoxicated by released gases in the process. There's a long aisle where sick men were left without any attention. You still seem to be asked for help when you pass.