The Observatory, perched atop Cerro del Vigía at a height of 75 meters above sea level, was first built by the people of Mazatlán as a military observation post, which is why the hill it sits on is called Cerro del Vigía. Its strategic location and complete view of the landscape allowed it to protect the city from frequent attacks by enemy and pirate vessels. In 1873, it was converted into a meteorological and seismological center, and during the era of Porfirio Diaz, it became one of the two most important observatories in the entire country. This building is an important part of Mazatlán's history and heritage, and is definitely worth visiting.