Historic places in Guadalajara

Historic places in Guadalajara

1. See

   Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan

   This basilica whose construction began in 1689 is especially popular because it preserves a wooden Virgin relic that came from Spain in the 16th century, and which is tied to a visitation by the Virgin herself with the intent of getting the indigenous people to lay down their weapons in the process of Spanish colonization. On October 12 a pilgrimage that includes up to a million people travels from the Cathedral of Guadalajara to this Basilica, where a mass is held and people celebrate with music, food and fireworks.

2. See

   City Museum

   Museo de la Ciudad

   Exploring Guadalajara's over 450 years of history, the Museo de la Ciudad is situated in a former convent in the Centro Histórico that dates to the 18th century. The museum's permanent collection is housed in six exhibition halls arranged chronologically according to century (16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st) and comprises artifacts and explanatory tests related to the history of Guadalajara in terms of art and architecture, ethnography, urban development, and the everyday life of Tapatíos. Temporary exhibits are also displayed, and lectures, workshops and symposia often take place in the auditorium and outdoor courtyard.

   Tue-Sat 10:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-14:30·M$20, teachers and students $10, free for children under 12 and Su

3. Eat

   El Parián

   This central square of Tlaquepaque's historic downtown boasts several restaurants with a bandstand in the center. It's a nice place to sit and have a drink or enjoy a meal, with numerous mariachis who will play for you for a small fee and also public performances that begin at 21:30. Gourmets will appreciate the recommendation of El Parian in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

4. Do

   Estadio Akron

   formerly Estadio Omnilife

   This is the stadium where most of the outdoor events for the 2011 Pan-American Games were held, and—more importantly—where the most popular football team in the city and the whole country. The stadium's home team, Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), has played since 2010. Chivas plays here every other Saturday at 19:00, unless otherwise specified. If you happen to be in Guadalajara on a Saturday, you are most likely to find either a Chivas football game in this stadium, or an Atlas game at Estadio Jalisco (below). Big games to watch out are Chivas vs. Atlas (which can be held in either stadiums depending on which one is scheduled as the home team) and Chivas vs. América—the "National Superclassic" (superclásico nacional)—as these teams are bitter rivals. Either of these match-ups are sure to sell out the stadium and treat those lucky enough to get tickets to an intense atmosphere. Estadio Akron is a difficult place to reach by public transport. It is close to the Periférico Oriente, so taking a taxi is the best option. Alternatively, use any bus that will go around Periférico and you'll eventually get there, just ask the driver to let you know when you are there, since the stadium's visibility from Periférico is very limited. Two museums inside Estadio Akron should not be missed. Museo Chivas is a soccer museum focused on the stadium's home team, Chivas, who are widely regarded as the most popular football team in Mexico. The museum chronicles the team's long history, with bios, statistics, and outstanding achievements of its players. The second museum is Jose Vergara Museo, known as JOVEM. This museum has nothing to do with soccer, making it an unlikely resident of the stadium. It is a design museum, focusing on the intersection of art and architecture. Guides are available to walk through the museum with you, explaining humanistic values comprising design elements.

5. Do

   Filharmonica de Jalisco

   Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra

   One of Mexico's top professional orchestras, the Jalisco Philharmonic celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015. The orchestra performs three full seasons of classical music from January to December each year under the direction of Jose Luis Castillo. The orchestra frequently tours abroad. The concert hall is a showcase of opulence that will be appreciated by students of music, architecture, and history.

6. See

   Government Palace

   Palacio de Gobierno

   This is the historical center of the government of the State of Jalisco. Today it is mostly visited for its murals, the work of the famous Jalisciense artist, José Clemente Orozco. The most famous of these is a huge portrait of Miguel Hidalgo in the vault of the old chambers of the State Council.

   Daily 09:00-20:00

7. See

   Guadalajara Cathedral

   Catedral de la Asunción de María Santísima

   Construction of this Guadalajara landmark started in the 1560s and took about 50 years to complete. The current towers were replaced on 1854 by architect Manuel Gómez Ibarra after an earthquake destroyed the originals in 1818. While visiting the Cathedral, a must-see is the mural "The Immaculate Conception" (La Purísima Concepción) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Also here is the Museo de Arte Sacro. The cathedral's architecture is an eclectic mix of the Gothic, Neoclassical and Palladian styles.

8. See

   Museo de lo Increíble

   It sounds tacky, but this wax/oddities museum can be an interesting way to learn about Jaliscian history.

9. See

   Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aerea

   Museum of the Army and Air Force

   Originally a barracks and military academy, the facility was renovated in the late 1990s and opened in 1999 as a museum documenting Mexico's military from its evolution from a colonial Spanish army to its complex and evolving role in providing for the national defense. 15 galleries highlight historic conflicts while providing displays of flags, uniforms, tanks, jeeps, artillery and other military equipment.

10. See

    Plaza Guadalajara

    Located directly in front of the cathedral, Plaza Guadalajara contains a circular fountain and an outdoor restaurant. Under the fountain there is an underground commercial center which offers all kinds of goods for sale including fruit, beverages and jewelry.

11. See

    Plaza de Armas

    Plaza de Armas offers one of the best views of the cathedral, as well as the Government Palace. It features a French ironwork bandstand that was purchased by former Mexican president Porfirio Díaz in 1885, and four statues on the corners of the place symbolizing the four seasons. The bandstand serves as the performing arena for marching bands.

12. Eat

    Real San Pedro

    Elegant dining room in an historic casona. Food is traditional regional cuisine with moles, enchiladas and more. Extensive tequila list and wine list, as well as mezcals, including some raicillas (a type of mezcal endemic to Jalisco).

    Daily 08:00 - 22:00·M$200

13. See

    Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans

    Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres

    This lovely circular monument of fluted columns is a mausoleum containing the ashes of 98 important men and women born in Jalisco. The bright and busy atmosphere of the park around it contrasts with the serious aspect of the Rotunda. On the southern side (across the street from the cathedral) is the bus stop for the TuriBus.

14. See

    The Expiatory Church of the Blessed Sacrament

    El Expiatorio, Templo del Santísimo Sacramento

    This finely detailed Gothic Revival cathedral was built over decades starting in the late 19th century. There is a mechanical clock in the bell tower that features a procession of the Twelve Apostles at 09:00, 12:00 and 18:00. The interior of the church features a lovely collection of stained glass windows.

15. Do Not mapped

    Independence Day

    Día de la Independencia

    Visitors who find themselves in Guadalajara on 16 September are in for a festive and patriotic treat. One traditional way that Tapatíos enjoy celebrating this holiday is with a reenactment of the "Cry of Pain" (Grito de Dolores), the incident that, in 1810, kicked off the war that ended with Mexico's independence from Spain. At the stroke of midnight, locals go to the main square and shout out in unison: half yell "Viva" and the other half "México", going on to the names of important heroes of Mexican history: "Viva Hidalgo", "Viva Morelos", and so on.

16. Do Not mapped

    Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Zapopan

    Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan

    Celebrated in Guadalajara on 12 October, this event honors the local Virgin Mary figure of the Guadalajara area, the Virgen de Zapopan. On this day, over a million people parade the famous statuette from the downtown cathedral to its home in the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan. This festival is only celebrated in the Guadalajara area, and is one of the largest examples of a romería outside Spain. It is inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Guadalajara (CC BY-SA 4.0).