Images Dated 14th July 2011

Guanajuato city underground

Guanajuato, the capital of Guanajuato state, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a charming colonial era city situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Sierra de Guanajuato mountains. Guanajuato is nicknamed the place of frogs because the shape of its mountainous terrain is said to have resembled a frog to the city early inhabitants. The region is known as the Bajio, or heartland of Mexico.Founded in 1559, Guanajuato is a former silver mining city and home to the La Valenciana mine.The historic center of Guanajuato has a distinct European flavor with hundreds of narrow cobblestone callejones (alleyways) running up and down the hillside. Shady plazas are dotted with sidewalk cafA©s, museums, theaters, markets and historic monuments. The buildings throughout the city are fine examples of neoclassical- and baroque style colonial architecture. An underground network of tunnels runs beneath the city helping to control the flow of traffic.Known as the birthplace of Mexican Independence, Guanajuato is an important stop along Mexico Independence route

© fitopardo

Guanajuato City and Church

Guanajuato is known for its its Festival Cervantino, an arts festival that draws attendance from around the world, Guanajuato is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its old town dates back to the 16th century, and you can visit many of Mexicos important religious and artistic sites. Guanajuato was also home to the Mexican independence movement and the site of the first failed rebellion against colonial rule

© FitoPardo2011