Capital of the State of Guanajuato
Historic city of Guanajuato and adjacent mines
Location and site
Guanajuato is located in Mexico’s interior, north-east of Mexico City. It is situated in a basin of the western Sierra Madre.
Guanajuato, situated at 2,000 m. above sea level, developed from its four original centres, which became separate neighbourhoods linked by a sinuous artery that follows the narrow valley. Its spontaneous plan, which opens onto small squares and adapts as required to the topography, distinguishes itself from the plans of other cities of the New World because it lacks an orthogonal grid. In the middle of lush green hills, the monumental architecture of this little mining town, most of which is religious, is either Baroque in style (Notre-Dame Basilica, dating to the end of the 17th century, and the Church of San Francisco), or Churrigueresque (the Church of the Compañia of the 18th century). The numerous squares and the cobblestone streets, embellished with cast iron lanterns, are lined with whitewashed and brightly coloured houses.
Criterion (i): Guanajuato possesses several of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in the New World. The churches of La Compañía (1745-1765) and above all La Valenciana (1765-1788) are masterpieces of the Mexican Churrigueresque style. In the field of the history of technology, Guanajuato may also pride itself on unique artistic achievements such as the “Boca del Infierno”, a 12 metres in diameter that plunges a breathtaking 600 metres.
Criterion (ii): The influence of Guanajuato was felt in the majority of the mining towns of northern Mexico from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Though more modest due to the tardy appearance of the process of industrialisation, Guanajuato’s place in world technological history is nonetheless far from negligible.
Criterion (iv): Guanajuato is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble that incorporates the industrial and economic aspects of a mining operation. Just as the major 18th century hydraulic works are inextricably linked to an urban topography determined by the confines of the river path and mineral outcrops, so the Baroque buildings are directly linked to the wealth of the mines. The church of La Valenciana and the Casa Rul y Valenciana were financed by the most prosperous mines. The more modest operations of Cata and Mellado also boasted churches, palaces or houses located near the mines or in the town.
Criterion (vi) : Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines is directly and tangibly associated with world economic history, particularly that of the 18th century.
- Guanajuato, formerly known as Cuanaxhuata, was conquered in 1529 by the Spanish. When they discovered veins of silver on four sites – Marfil, Tepetapa, Santa Ana, and Cerro del Cuarto – they quickly built fortifications to protect them. These four sites formed the city known as Guanajuato today.
- In the 18th century, with the decline of the Andean city of Potosi, Guanajuato enjoyed a period of prosperity. It was the first centre of silver mines in the world and the decoration of the churches was financed by the owners of the mines. Until the end of the 19th century, the city flourished thanks to its mines.
- The 19th century was aggravated by civil and foreign wars, as well as other setbacks. Despite efforts aimed at reform, the authority of the State was increasingly questioned. After Spain was shaken by a crisis in 1808, Mexico revolted in 1810. The first major battle took place at Guanajuato, and Mexico’s independence followed in 1821.
More information about Guanajuato here!
Sr. Mario Alejandro Navarro Saldaña
Municipio de Guanajuato
Plaza de la Paz No. 12 Colonia Centro
+52.473 732 12 13, 732 04 22 y 732 06 79
Lic. Raquel Buck Gonzalez
Coordinadora de Relaciones Publicas Hermanamientos y Ciudad Patrimonio
Ayuntamiento de Guanajuato
Plaza de la Paz 12, Zona Centro