Guanajuato feels vibrant with its colorful buildings, energetic residents and enthusiastic visitors. The city is an old Spanish colonial town. There are many things to do and experience in the pedestrian friendly streets of Centro Guanajuato. Here is some information:
1) Founded in 1559, Guanajuato traces its beginning to silver and gold mining. Today, there are still active silver mines.
2). Guanajuato is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in México.
3) In 1987, to encourage the citizens of Guanajuato to help make their city more attractive, the national government started a beautification program. The government pays 50% of the cost to repaint a building or home and its owner pays 50%. As part of the subsidy agreement, the local government gives a list of colors to color coordinate the neighborhood.
4). There are 32 churches and 68 bars. Our volunteer guide jokingly told us that, “In Guanajuato, people are more alcoholic than Catholic!”
5). There is a real fascination and true admiration of Don Quijote (Quixote). The book by Miguel de Cervantes is considered “the best work of Spanish literature and still the most influential,” according to a student of literature at University of Guanajuato.
6). Union Garden, formerly known as the Plaza de San Diego has beautiful manicured trees. From the top of the hill, the green patch looks like the slice of cheese.
7). One of the unique features is the network of underground tunnels. This reduces vehicular traffic so that residents as well as visitors can enjoy pedestrian friendly streets.
8). Mercado Hidalgo, the central market, was originally built as a railway station.
Our boutique hotel, Casa Lunatta is located just outside of Centro Histórico. Our room is clean and comfortable. Staff is very attentive. Carlos, the manager is always ready to offer assistance. Guadalupe took care of our laundry and returned then to us within 5 hours. Now, that is a great service! Price? $4.00 for a small suitcase full of clothes.
Aloha -- Cathi
