Get to know Guanajuato

A trip through two cities

The way of life in Guanajuato creates the sensation of taking a trip through two cities: the historic one, with its streets and monuments that treasure the passages of the Independence of Mexico, and the festive and bustling, with its infinity of cultural offerings like festivals, theaters and gardens.

 

This World Heritage City - just like San Miguel de Allende - is also deeply connected with one of the most outstanding Spanish literary works of the 16th century: The ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha, written by the poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes. But why are the “the Knight of the sad figure” and his faithful companion Sancho Panza icons of Guanajuato?

 

The answer lies in one of the most commemorative buildings that appears on all postcards, the University of Guanajuato, when its student theater community popularized “Los Entremeses de Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra” in the Plaza de San Roque. These short pieces were performed at the beginning of a play and were liked by the public because they were humorous.

 

The university is one of the must-see places to visit in Guanajuato, not only for its stairs that have been posted on Instagram plenty of times, but also for its Astronomical Observatory that is installed on the roof. It is open every afternoon to take a “trip” through the celestial vault and to admire the city from 30 meters high. Another great view is obtained from the funicular (cable car) or from the viewpoint of the Monument to the Pipila,
The leyend of the lovers and the "Callejón del Beso" (Kiss Alley)Another way to get to know Guanajuato is through its alleys, such as the Callejón del Beso. The legend says that lovers must kiss on their third step to have happiness for seven years. At night, this labyrinth of narrow streets glows amber yellow, giving the city a bohemian atmosphere. This becomes more present when the “estudiantinas” gather at the Juárez Theater to serenade the habitants. Tourists from all the world enjoy and join the musical tour.

 

Exploring the “Calle Subterranea” is on the long list of what to do in Guanajuato, a network of tunnels that cross below the Historical Center. It used to be a riverbed, but now is all piped. It is eight kilometers long and connects to some important sites, like the Plaza de las Ranas and the basilica.

 

You have to sit down to have a coffee or eat a guacamaya (a roll filled with dried pork rinds, avocado and salsa) in the “Jardín Unión” (Union Garden), one of the most beautiful parks due to its shape of a slice of cake. You should also go to the “Mercado Hidalgo” (Hidalgo Market), to see for yourself the outstanding quality of its artisans specialized in pottery and silver.