Day 102 – 104 : Guanajuato

It’s easy to see why everyone who had been to Guanajuato, loves this city. 

Filled with numerous European flavoured monuments in the historic centre, pedestrian only narrow cobblestone alleyways, and numerous colourful houses built up on the hillside, with amazing vibes and music filling the air at all times. 

It’s beautiful during the day to stroll down the streets, but also at night when all the major neoclassical and baroque style colonial architecture buildings get litted up in a way which enhances its beauty. 

In the evening, one can also take part in a callejoneada, or walking serenade, led by musicians dressed in interesting outfits, strumming guitars and serenading bystanders while weaving and acting out local tales into the programme. 

These are only conducted in Spanish, and last for 2 hours, so could get a little boring for those who don’t understand Spanish after a while.

I was however surprised at the number of Chinese tourists I saw in this town, probably the largest concentration of Chinese tourists I had seen throughout the entire Mexico trip!

Places definitely worth visiting includes :

• Teatro Juarez : Theatre is shown here on occasions.  The building itself is a work of art and iconic in Guanajuato.

• Jardin de La Union and Iglesia de San Diego : Located on Jardin de La Union is Iglesia de San Diego, and a number of restaurants and shops.  The street also leads into centre of downtown.

• Pipila : Access can be via a half hour walk up a flight of steep stairs.  Or taking the easy way out like I did, take a funicular up costing MXP25 one way, and walking down on the return.  Great views can be seen here, along with a statue at the top of this hill.

• Mercado Hidalgo : Indoor market place, spanning 2 floors, with stores selling fresh produce and souvenirs.

• Casa Riviero Diego : The house where the famous artiste Riviero Diego was born.  The house is now converted into a museum and features some of Riviero Diego art work, as well as other local art.

• Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) : An alleyway so narrow that couples can kiss from opposite balconies.

Queues can be seen here, with couples waiting for their turn to take a picture of them kissing at the bottom of the steps

 

 

• Castillo Santa Cecilia : A castle, which had now been converted to a hotel.  Beautiful property.