Guanajuato Historic Center

Guanajuato's historic center is one of Mexico's most visually extraordinary colonial cities, built entirely within a steep ravine with almost no flat ground in the urban fabric. The city was founded on silver mining wealth in the 16th century and at its height in the 18th century produced an estimated one-third of the world's silver supply. The wealth generated funded a remarkable collection of baroque and neoclassical buildings including the Templo de la Compañía de Jesús, the Teatro Juárez with its Doric colonnade and opulent gilded interior, and the massive stone Alhóndiga de Granaditas granary that became the site of a decisive independence battle in 1810. The city's most famous architectural feature is an extensive network of underground tunnels — formerly the bed of the Guanajuato River — that now serve as the city's main road network, routing traffic through the mountain while pedestrians navigate the web of streets and alleys above. Above ground, streets narrow to alleys barely wide enough for two people abreast, climbing and descending between colorful houses in pink, yellow, green, and terracotta. The most celebrated alley is Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), where opposing balconies are only 68 centimeters apart, the subject of a famous local legend about forbidden love. The Jardín de la Unión, a triangular park ringed by cafes and the Teatro Juárez, serves as the city's social hub. The Pipila Monument on the hillside above offers the most-photographed panorama of the city, reachable by funicular or a 20-minute walk. The city hosts the Festival Internacional Cervantino each October — one of Latin America's premier arts festivals.