About Guanajuato

In 1988 Guanajuato was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  As of 2011 there are 936 sites listed.  These places are considered to have special cultural or physical significance.  Guanajuato is considered one of the most beautiful and charming Colonial cities in all of Latin America. It is also very rich in its history and culture.

Much of the beauty and wealth of Guanajuato is from the silver and gold mines discovered in the mid 1500's.  City status was granted by Spanish King Phillip V, in 1741.

The start of the war for Mexican Independence began in the area of Guanajuato in 1810.  One of the large battles took place at the Alondiga, were Pipila was able to gain access into the Spaniards' fortress. At the time the Alondiga was a granary, today it is a history museum.

The city as we like to describe it is like a cereal bowl. Around the rim is a road called Pan-America and there are homes and businesses along it. The inside walls of the bowl are the rest of the residential area and in the bottom of the bowl are the main businesses, shops, restaurants, bars, theaters, university, plazas and government offices. There are a few roads that crisscross the town but the majority of traffic is diverted to a maze of tunnels under the city, this keeping the city safe for pedestrians. The city has an extensive bus system as well as many taxis to get around within the city as well as to other neighboring towns.  Sometimes we think Guanajuato reminds us of a dry Venice, Italy; with its many plazas, cafes, restaurants and pedestrian thoroughfares.


Photos:  Upper right, View from roof top terrace.
Bottom right, Boveda ceiling in second bedroom.