Coahuila’s walled, subterranean tunnel, known as the Canal de la Perla (Pearl Canal, literally translated), is actually quite a mysterious spot, principally because very few people know about it.
After being re-discovered in 2003, theories abounded that it served as a bomb shelter, while others believed the Canal de la Perla was an underwater canal. Nowadays, it serves as a pedestrian walkway and can be found in the historic center of Torreón, Coahuila.
The truth is that the Pearl Canal is an underground tourist site in Torreón, Coahuila, which was built in 1893 as an irrigation canal. Today, it is a museum that combines history, art, and culture. History:
It was built in 1893 to irrigate the lands of Hacienda La Perla
In 1925 it was vaulted and converted into a storm drain
In 1968 it was closed due to flooding
In 2003 it was accidentally rediscovered
In 2014 it finally started to be used for tourism
The tunnels can be accessed from various points in the center of the city of Torreon:
- On the esplanade of Cepeda Street between Juarez and Hidalgo
- On Valdés Carrillo Street and Juarez Avenue in the Plaza de Armas of Torreon
- At the intersection of Zaragoza Street and Morelos Avenue
The 90 cm thick walls have been used to display photographs and other samples of plastic arts
Exhibitions, film series, conferences, and workshops are offered.
Source: El Siglo de Torreon
