Interesting Places and Architecture

One of the most interesting places of historical interest in Guadalajara is the Government Palace. It was first occupied by the governors of the old territory of Nueva Galicia, now the state of Jalisco, during the colonial period. Then, during the 19th century, it was the lodging of the insurgent, Miguel Hidalgo, who passed the law abolishing slavery from that very palace in 1810. Years later, it was the headquarters of the Federal Government when, Don Benito Juárez, the great patriot, took over the building during his flight from the conservative troops of Generals Miramón and Márquez.

The Government Palace
Father Miguel Hidalgo passed the law abolishing slavery in this building in 1810. In 1858, it was President Benito Juárez’s office for a little more than a month, and a year later, its interior was almost totally destroyed by an explosion. It was later refurbished.

Teatro Degollado – Located on Degollado Street between Morelos and Av. Hidalgo. This is a neoclassical-style building built between 1855 and 1866. The portico has 16 Corinthian-order columns supporting a tympanum depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses. The theater is 20 meters (66 feet) long and 18 meters (59 feet) wide and it can hold 1,453 spectators. The theater’s dome has a Canto IV fresco of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy.

Instituto Cultural Cabañas – Located on the western end of Plaza Tapatia at No. 8 Paseo del Hospicio, between Avenida Hidalgo and Plaza Lopez Portillo y Weber. This project was conceived by Manuel Tolsa, built by Jose Gutierrez and finished by architect Manuel Ibarra. The neoclassical-style construction was completed in 1843. The building has a rectangular form and the main entrance has an elegant portico with Tuscan-order columns; its chapel is of the neoclassical-eclectic style. In addition, it has 23 patios surrounded by Herrerian-style corridors. Originally, this building was an orphanage; today, it is a cultural center that offers various art workshops and holds diverse cultural events.

Palacio Municipal – Located on Avendia Hidalgo between Pedro Loza and Avenida Alcade. Architect Vicente Mendiola designed this neoclassical-style building built between 1949 and 1952. It has two floors with the lower level surrounded by various portals. In addition, it has five panels with beautiful paintings by Gabriel Flores. The Palacio Municipal is the city government’s main office building.

Catedral Metropolitana –Dedicated to the Virgin of Assumption, this structure was built between the 16^th and 18^th centuries. Although it blends various architectural styles, the Gothic style stands out. Inside, there are nine altars and three chapels with neoclassical altarpieces. Near the vestry you’ll find La Purisima Concepcion, an important painting by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. Located on Avenida 16 de Septiembre, between Hidalgo and Morelos.

Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres – This circular monument dates back to 1951 and it has 17 striated columns without a base or a capital. It has 98 urns, but only a few are actually used. In a special crypt lies the mummified body of military leader Ramon Corona. In addition, statues of 11 illustrious Jaliscan figures watch over the monument. Located between Avenida Alcalde, Avenida Hidalgo, Independencia and Liceo.

Jardin Japones – Located at 2300 El Chaco Street in the Fraccionamiento Providencia neighborhood in the Bosque de los Colomos. It is a replica of a ceremonial Japanese garden. Open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Casa Colomos ó El Castillo – This construction, the work of Agustin V. Pascal, used to be a water administration office and is now a cultural center. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 7:30, and Sunday from 9:00 to 2:00. Located at 2300 El Chaco Street in the Fraccionamiento Providencia neighborhood in the Bosque de los Colomos.

Biblioteca Publica del Estado – This modern building stands out for its spectacular cupola, which has a painting by artist Gabriel Flores in the library’s main room. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 8:00, and Saturday from 9:00 to 3:00. Located at 879 Avenida 16 de Septiembre in the Colonia Centro.

Fuente de Minerva – Located at the Avenida Vallarta roundabout, this fountain displays a bronze sculpture of the Roman goddess of wisdom; it is one of Guadalajara’s most emblematic monuments.