San Sebastián Bernal, commonly referred to as Bernal, is a colonial village situated in the Mexican state of Querétaro. Located within the Ezequiel Montes municipality, it lies just a few minutes from the towns of Colón and Cadereyta. The settlement is positioned approximately 40 minutes by road from the state capital of Santiago de Querétaro and about two and a half hours from Mexico City. Its name derives from the Basque word Vernal, meaning place of stones or boulders, reflecting the prominent geological features that define its landscape.

The village was founded in 1642 by Spanish soldier Alonso Cabrera, who led Spanish families to populate the area and protect it from constant attacks by the Chichimecas. In 1725, the first construction of the city received the rank of congregation under the name San Sebastián Bernal. A church with three naves dedicated to Saint Sebastian was built, establishing him as the patron of the town since its foundation. The feast day of the patron is celebrated every January 20th as one of the main events in the community.

Bernal is defined by its compact layout of narrow alleys and cobblestone streets, making it ideal for exploration on foot. The most significant landmark is the Peña de Bernal, an enormous monolith of massive rock that towers over the village. This monolith stands 350 meters tall and is recognized as the third-highest monolith in the world, after the Rock of Gibraltar and Sugarloaf Mountain. Other notable sites include the Museo de la Mascara, which displays hundreds of historic masks integral to ritual practices.

In 2005, Bernal was designated a Pueblo Mágico by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism due to its symbolic attributes, legends, and history. Visitors are drawn to the town for rock climbing on the monolith, mountain biking, and exploring traditional craft shops selling blanket wool products and handmade candy. The local cuisine features handmade gorditas, while upscale dining establishments like La Rocca and El Mezquite offer regional Mexican menus with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and gardens.

The village has a current population of 2909, comprising 1377 males and 1532 females. Of this total, 1014 persons are counted as part of the Economic Active Population, living in 630 inhabited homes. Access is available via buses from Querétaro for approximately M$70 or by car using the Autopista Mexico-Queretaro. The town offers a variety of traditional sweets, carpentry, and clothing at affordable prices, serving as a peaceful destination for tourists seeking cultural immersion and outdoor activities in the Sierra Gorda region.