After San Miguel de Allende, our next destination is one of the silver cities of Mexico: Guanajuato. Already in the 16th century the first silver deposits were discovered and exploited in Guanajuato. Accordingly, the history of the city goes back a long time. With the long history of the city, the unique, colonialistic cityscape has also developed. In addition, the city is spread over several hill ranges, which makes the view particularly attractive.

The silvery past of Guanajuato

Around Guanajuato there are many different mines that were used to extract silver. After the beginnings in the 16th century, the mining methods were later modernized in the 18th century and contributed significantly to the greater welfare of the whole city. Even today there are isolated active mine shafts, but they are mainly used for mining courses or tourism. In addition to the pitfalls of mining, which repeatedly led to tragedies, the danger of flooding also lurked in Guanajuato. The devastating floods were tamed much later in the 19th century, when parts of the mine tunnels were converted into underground riverbeds to channel most of the water masses under the city.
Today, the largest former underground riverbeds and mine tunnels are used as traffic tunnels to efficiently connect the different parts of the city. From our campsite within 15 minutes, we can walk through these tunnels to the old town of Guanajuato, instead of having to walk up and down a hill.
These tunnels are one of the characteristic features of Guanajuato. We haven’t seen any tunnels in Mexico yet, or in general outside of Europe. Here there are tunnels for cars, tunnels for pedestrians and tunnels used for parking. However, it is often a combination of all three purposes. In addition, there are branches in the tunnels, by which also several tunnels are connected with each other.

The old town of Guanajuato with its distinctive buildings

Guanajuato’s old town is mostly narrow and winding, but some larger buildings stand out among the individual small, colorful houses and of course we take a look at them.

One of the most prominent buildings in Guanajuato is the university. The building is in colonial neoclassical style and always stands out prominently in the appearance of the whole old town. On the one hand, it is one of the largest buildings in the otherwise very small old town and on the other hand, an enormous staircase leads up to the main entrance.
Another building with a striking appearance is the Teatro Juárez. We look at the building from the outside because of its architecture. There is also a train station hall in Guanajuato which was never used as a train station hall. Today it is a big market hall. Until today there is no train line leading to the hills of Guanajuato – but the city is connected to the surrounding cities by buses as public transportation. We realize: Such a train station hall can really be used perfectly as a market hall.
Also, the two churches Basilica Colegiate Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato and Templo de la Compañía de Jesús should not be missed. There are many more churches in Guanajuato but these two are definitely worth a visit. Also, unlike most of the big churches in Europe, the churches in Mexico are always free to visit. The only thing you have to watch out for are the times of the sermons, because in most churches a mass is held 3-4 times a day.

In general, it is worthwhile in Guanajuato to walk through the partly narrow, winding streets and marvel at the many rows of colorful houses. We spend a few hours in Guanajuato just strolling and taking in the scenery.

We also have a good view over the old town at the statue “El Pípila”. We come less because of the statue and mainly because of the view. And because we don’t have to climb the hill in the midday heat but can comfortably go up with a small funicular. For the Mexican history the national hero “El Pípila” is of great importance. In Guanajuato, the first major victory of the indigenous population against the colonial occupying power Spain was won. According to legends, “El Pípila” influenced the decisive key point of the struggle in favor of the indigenous population through a particularly courageous act.

Guanajuato – a colorful city in the middle of the Mexican hills

We like Guanajuato. On the one hand because of the colonialist buildings and their influences, which have been preserved until today. On the other hand, because of the special arrangement of the city over different hills. We have not experienced tunnels in Mexico until now. But in Guanajuato, the whole city seems to be tunneled. This makes Guanajuato very special. In addition, the colorful hills are omnipresent throughout the city and always provide the typical charm of Guanajuato.