Guanajuato
Destinations
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a city with its very own identity, history, extraordinary location, unique geography and fame. The magnificent Cervantino International Festival has made it a premier destination in which to experience Mexican culture.
Even to walk across its streets is an experience, thanks to the exquisite attractiveness of its architecture. Because of its roots, the city of Guanajuato has become over the past century a great gallery where myriad artists and craftsmen have shaped their art, helping the city transform itself into an appraised treasure. As a result of its beauty and historical integrity, the city was declared by UNESCO a Patriarch of Humanity.
Situated within a deep gorge, its irregular layout obeys the flow of the hills that surround it. Many neo-classical constructions open on to baroque temples. An ancient underground river, now turned into a street, crosses the city, winding between various ancient vaults and arcs; it has the feel of a "hidden city".
Visit the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, an enclosure where the first battle for Independence began. It is now the Regional Museum of History; In the central Plaza de la Paz numerous facades of magnificent buildings are beheld, such as the Basilica Colegiata de Senora de Guanajuato, the Palace of Municipal Government, the House of Count Rul and the Legislative Palace. The Garden of the Union is the main gathering point for local people and visitors to admire the magnificent atmosphere, the monument to the Pípila on the Hill of San Miguel, and to enjoy some of the typical coffees houses and restaurants. Also the Juárez Theater and the baroque Temple of San Diego of Alcala are worthy of admiration, and there is usually fine music to be enjoyed. On the periphery of the city, the Property of San Gabriel de Barrera and the Mineral de Valenciana are testimonies of the legendary abundance of Guanajuatense silver. Ancient objects of art, magnificent golden altarpieces and the majestic Temple of San Cayetano (Valenciana) attest to the wealth of the mines extracted during the 18th Century.
Guanajuato is a place of much artistic wealth, its museums: Iconográfico of the Quijote, Casa de Diego Rivera, Olga Costa-Jose Chávez Morado, del Pueblo, Alhóndiga de Granaditas and Gene Byron, exhibit important collections.
The famous Cervantino International Festival is a major event recognized on a world-wide level, and has been celebrated for more than three decades. It occurs during the month of October, counting on the participation of more than 36 countries. It represents artistic expressions of great quality through opera, theater, dance, music and exhibitions. There are also mimes, jugglers and artists.
Other important attractions are: the Mummy Museum (an attractive tourist spot of great popularity-hundreds of thousands of people visit it annually), Juárez Theater, House of Condes de Rul and Valenciana, University of Guanajuato, the "Alfredo Dugés" Museum of Natural History, the Pueblo Museum, the Compañía Temple, the Diego Rivera Museum, the San Roque Temple and Plaza, the San Fernando Plaza, Kissing Alley, House of Tia Aura, Reformation Garden, Hidalgo Market, Baratillo Square, Principal Plaza da Mexiamora Theater and the Temple of San Francisco.
Dolores Hidalgo
The city of Dolores Hidalgo was born from cattle production, and has a colonial feel.
The city is closely connected to the history of the country, since it was here that Cura Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, after having gained the respect and affection of the town, and believed to be a great benefactor, proclaimed Grito de Independencia on September 15, 1810, also known as the "Dolores Shout". For that reason the city is called the Cradle of National Independence.
Its colonial character is based on constructions built in the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Our Lady of Dolores Parish, where the Grito de Independencia took place. The buildings of the Municipal Presidency, the Casa de Visitas, the Museum of Independence, the Casa del Diezmo and the Hidalgo House Museum are monuments that boast the exquisiteness of their architecture.
In the region just outside the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, in the environs of the river Laja, the main offshoot of the Lerma river, pre-Hispanic establishments have left traces of ceramic pieces, stone instruments and cuecillos, a testimony to the ancient people.
In a visit to this exotic city, travelers can sample delicious flavors that grow more and more exotic, as they go from tequila to shrimp, elote, avocado, mole and mantecado, among others. Dolores Hidalgo is not only the Cradle of Independence, it is also the departure point if one wishes to cross the route of Independence.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is an outstanding colonial city. The thing that stands out the most in the city is the great variety of styles, colors, and forms of the building's doors. These doors have appeared in many famous pictures, publications and books.
The thermal and alkaline springs that surround this area, such as El Chorro, Cieneguita, Montecillo, Atotonilco, Taboada, and the Cortijo, also make this a popular spot.
San Miguel de Allende offers a nostalgic Mexico of singular beauty and scenery and is considered a National Monument. Quality of life here is very important to the people of the city and is maintained through the conservation of its architecture, cobble stone streets, as well as its traditions and culture.
The beautiful colonial patios today are part of an ample variety of hotels, renowned for tourism and international restaurants. The city has become a natural refuge of talented craftsmen and national and international artists who exhibit their works in numerous art galleries. The colonial architecture and the atmosphere of the streets make for a cosmopolitan city. There is a magnificent bazaar with galleries and arts and crafts stores tucked between stately buildings of the Virreinal period, such as the Allende House-Museum, the House of Conde del Canal, the Temple of the Conception and the Oratorio of San Felipe Neri.
The Parish of San Miguel Arcángel calls for your attention, and only a few steps away is the Nigromante Cultural Center, the Allende Institute and the San Francisco Temple. One can also experience the Camara Music Festival and the Jazz Festival or the Wool and Brass Fair. There is a lot of opportunity to sample quality cuisines and splendid sites for relaxation. The cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs decorate this magical place. At night San Miguel de Allende reveals its splendor and it becomes a place full of entertainment. Enjoy a supper by candlelight with live music and dance until dawn.
Only 20 minutes from San Miguel de Allende on the highway, headed towards Dolores Hidalgo, is the Atotonilco Sanctuary which was built in the 18th century. It is the place from where Cura Miguel Hidalgo took the standard of the Virgin of Guadalupe with which he raised his armies. While here, admire the domes and religious frescoes. The Sanctuary dedicated to Jesus of Nazareth is impressive.
León
Leon is one of the more industrialized cities of the state and of the region, with its quality articles of clothing and footwear recognized throughout the country. The territory that is occupied by the city of Leon was once inhabited by diverse indigenous groups, such as the Toltecas, Chichimecas and Guayares. The Alfaro and Ibarrilla archeological sites can also be found here, revealing the ancient dwellings of this period.
As the city looks towards continuous progress, the streets are undergoing a renovation towards modern architecture and ample avenues. The city of Leon is well known as the World-wide Capital of Footwear. The excellent quality and craftsmanship of their shoes has given the city a great reputation throughout the country.
There are also old colonial sites such as: the Basilica Cathedral, Temple of Our Lady of the Angels, the Founders Plaza, the Martyrs Plaza, the House of Culture, the Municipal Presidency, the Expiatorio Temple, the Arch of Triumph, the Bullfighting Pantheon Museum, the San Juan de Dios Temple and Garden, the Botanical Garden and the House of Monas.