This map shows the most important places in the central area of Guanajuato that we visited during the trip, with pictures and interesting information about each one.
1
Callejón del beso
2
Teatro Juarez
3
Monumento al Pípila
4
Casa de Hidalgo
5
Carcel
6
Universidad de Guanajuato
7
Alhóndiga de Granaditas
8
Mercado Hidalgo
9
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
10
Plaza de la Paz
11
Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
12
Museo Mina Valenciana
Explicación
1
The legend of the Alley of the Kiss in Guanajuato City tells the tragic love story of Carmen, a young woman from a wealthy family, and Luis, a humble young man who worked in mining. Their secret romance blossomed from opposite balconies overlooking a narrow alleyway, just 68 centimeters wide, until Carmen's father, enraged upon discovering their relationship, took a dagger and murdered her as she kissed Luis. According to local tradition, couples visiting the site must kiss on the third step, painted red, to ensure 15 years of good luck in love; otherwise, they will face 7 years of misfortune. The Alley of the Kiss is located in the heart of Guanajuato and is one of the city's most visited sites, symbolizing eternal love despite tragedy.
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2
The Juárez Theater was inaugurated on October 27, 1903, by Porfirio Díaz, with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida. Its construction began in 1873, under the direction of architect José Noriega, at the behest of Governor Florencio Antillón. However, work was interrupted and did not resume until 1892 under the supervision of architects Antonio Rivas Mercado and Alberto Malo. The theater is a prime example of late 19th- and early 20th-century architectural eclecticism, combining Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Moorish styles. Its façade features a portico with eight Doric columns and bronze statues representing the Greek muses, symbolizing artistic inspiration. The interior is equally impressive, with decorations including marble and ornamental details, and a horseshoe-shaped auditorium.
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3
The Pípila Monument, located atop San Miguel Hill in Guanajuato, is a symbol of bravery and a tribute to Juan José de los Reyes Martínez. His story recounts that he came from a humble family and worked from a young age in the mines, where he was a miner. His nickname, "El Pípila," was given to him by his coworkers and refers to a turkey resting in a low-lying area. With the outbreak of the War of Independence in 1810, Pípila joined the ranks of the insurgent army led by Miguel Hidalgo. His most famous feat occurred on September 28, 1810, when he participated in the capture of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, an important grain warehouse. To allow his comrades to enter, he placed a stone slab on his back and, with a torch and pitch, set fire to the building's door. Construction of the monument began on January 15, 1939, and it was inaugurated on February 5, 1940. The sculpture, made of pink quarry stone, measures 17 meters .
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4
The House of Hidalgo, also known as the Historical Museum of the Parish of Dolores, is a historical site located in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. Built in 1779, it was the last home of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the priest who organized and initiated the Mexican War of Independence. Hidalgo moved to this house in 1804 and lived there until 1818. In this house, Hidalgo established a night school, organized gatherings, staged plays, and gave lessons on rationalist doctrines. The house was also the site of conspiracies that advanced the independence movement. During the War of Independence, the house was looted and occupied by both sides. In 1821, the house passed into the hands of the Church until 1859, when it was declared private property. In 1863, the house was declared a National Monument by Benito Juárez and has been known as the House of Hidalgo ever since.
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5
The former prison of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, now known as the Museum of National Independence, is a late 18th-century building that played a key role in the start of the Mexican War of Independence. In the early morning of September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo freed the prisoners from this prison and joined his insurgent army, transforming it into a symbol of freedom. It is located in the center of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, at the official address Zacatecas No. 6, Zona Centro, C.P. 37800.
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6
The history of the University of Guanajuato (UG) spans nearly three centuries, evolving from a religious hospice to one of Mexico's most important autonomous public institutions. The project began on October 1, 1732, as the Hospice of the Holy Trinity. It was spearheaded by the benefactress Doña Josefa Teresa de Busto y Moya, who abandoned her own home and fortune to establish an educational center run by the Jesuits. With the first constitutional government of Guanajuato, the school became the responsibility of the State under the name of the College of the Immaculate Conception. Faculties such as Law and Mining were introduced.
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7
The Alhóndiga de Granaditas is an iconic building in Guanajuato, Mexico, that has witnessed significant historical events. Built in the 18th century, its original function was to store grain, but it became a symbol of the Mexican War of Independence after being captured by insurgents on September 28, 1810. During the attack, royalist troops took refuge in the building, allowing the insurgents to seize the city. The Alhóndiga is also known for its famous "Pípila," an insurgent who set fire to the gates to allow the rebels access. Today, the building houses the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Regional Museum of Guanajuato, where visitors can see remnants of the capture and other historical artifacts related to the struggle for independence.
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8
This place is perhaps the most representative in the entire state thanks to its amazing history and architecture. It was built during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz and was initially conceived as a train station. In the market, you can find handicrafts and traditional sweets, such as charamuscas (a type of candy), cajeta (a type of caramel) from Celaya, quartz crystals extracted from the mines, and all kinds of souvenirs related to Guanajuato. To commemorate the consummation of Mexican Independence in 1921, in September of that year, the old "Joaquín Obregón González" market was renamed "Mercado Hidalgo" in honor of the Father of the Nation.
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9
The Church of Dolores, located in Dolores Hidalgo, is historically significant as the place where Miguel Hidalgo gave the famous “Grito de Dolores” in 1810. This event marked the beginning of Mexico’s independence movement. The church is a colonial-style building with a beautiful façade and bell towers. Inside, visitors find altars, religious art, and historical artifacts. The church is a pilgrimage site for Mexicans who honor Hidalgo’s legacy. Every year on September 16, the Mexican president reenacts the Grito from the church’s balcony, symbolizing national unity. The Iglesia de Dolores is both a religious and historical monument. It embodies faith, patriotism, and the spirit of independence.
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10
Plaza de la Paz is a central square in Guanajuato City, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato. The plaza is a gathering place for locals and tourists, offering a lively atmosphere with street performers, vendors, and cultural activities. Its name, “Peace Square,” reflects its role as a symbol of harmony and community. The plaza has witnessed important historical events and continues to be a focal point of city life. Visitors enjoy sitting on benches, admiring the architecture, and experiencing the vibrant energy of Guanajuato. The plaza is also a popular spot for festivals and celebrations. It represents the heart of the city, where tradition and modern life coexist.
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11
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato is an emblem of the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. Located in Plaza de la Paz, it was built between 1671 and 1696. The basilica is known for housing the oldest known sculpture of the Virgin Mary to arrive in the Americas, carved in Andalusia. Its history dates back to the Arab conquest of Spain in 714, when the Virgin was hidden in a cave for fear of the invaders. It was rediscovered in the 16th century and gifted by Philip II to the miners of Guanajuato in 1557. The basilica is a symbol of the city's mining boom and has witnessed significant historical events.
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12
The La Valenciana Mine, located in Guanajuato, is one of the most important silver mines in the world. Its main vein is part of the famous "Mother Vein," discovered in 1548, although the specific Valenciana deposit was identified around 1771 and began its productive boom in the 18th century. The real impetus came in 1760 when the entrepreneur Antonio de Obregón obtained financing and invested in the mine; a few years later, by 1768, production increased extraordinarily. For decades, the site produced more silver than all the mines in the Viceroyalty of Peru combined and contributed up to a third of world production, making Guanajuato the largest silver mining center on the planet at that time. The wealth generated allowed for the construction of temples and monumental buildings, such as the Church of San Cayetano, built between 1765 and 1788 as a token of gratitude for the mining boom.
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