Guanajuato Tourist Attractions

Human settlement in Guanajuato was possible thanks to the rich mineral deposits that were found in its steep lands. It was founded in 1570 and always had the support and generosity of the Nueva España government . This benefited the development of the city with the construction of many beautiful buildings like the Juarez Theater, the San Diego Temple, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, the Templo de la Compañía, the Conde de Rul Mansion among others. Its streets and underground tunnels also make this city famous. In 1988 the UNESCO declared it a “World Cultural Heritage Site” because of its outstanding cultural wealth and importance.

In 1550, the first mine in the state -the Rayas Mine- was discovered by Juan Rayas. But the Valenciana mine was the most important, producing one third of the silver that was exported to Europe by the Nueva España government. It still operates today.


SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
The monk Juan de San Miguel founded “The Magic Town” of San Miguel de Allende in 1542. Originally inhabited by Purépechas and Guamares natives, this beautiful and unique colonial town attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.

The San Miguel Church with its neo-gothic style is one of the main attractions of the city. Other architectural sites are: the San Felipe Neri Oratorium, the Templo de la Concepción, the Santa Casa de Loreto, the San Francisco temple, the Inquisitor's House, and the Angela Peralta Theater.

DOLORES HIDALGO
Dolores Hidalgo, in full Dolores Hidalgo “Cuna de la Independencia Nacional”, birthplace of Mexico’s independence, was founded in the XVI century and has many baroque buildings like the Dolores Parish. It is also known for the arts and crafts objects made with Talavera ceramic.

CERVANTINO International Festival
Since 1972, every year , in the months of October and November, Guanajuato city holds the Festival Cervantino, in honor of the illustrious author Miguel de Cervantes. The Cervantino International Festival is today the most important cultural and artistic event in all of Latin America. There are concerts, plays, exhibitions, performances, literature workshops, arts and crafts, among other cultural activities.