The Historic Center of La Perla Tapatia is based on a past that combines various architectural styles. Much of that area was rebuilt in the early twentieth century, however, the Colonial-style is preserved in some buildings.
So if you like history, we invite you to take a tour of the heart of the city, one of the most conglomerated historical centers in the entire Republic, and thanks to its constant economic and cultural activity, it keeps beating better than ever.
The center of Guadalajara is designed in 4 quadrants that make up a large cross, in each section buildings originating from the Colony rise.
You can start the tour with the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Guadalajara, one of the first buildings in the city, due to that old custom of populating a space around its temple. This building began to be built between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, but after fires and earthquakes, it underwent some remodeling and is now a combination of styles, such as Renaissance and Baroque from the colony and the neo-Gothic of its towers, which does not correspond to that time, but lives in harmony with others, being one of the most emblematic postcards of the city.
Then, continue with the Government Palace, one of the most important historical buildings, due to its role in the Mexican War of Independence. In that place, the abolition of slavery was decreed in 1810. Its construction began in 1774, with baroque styles of the time and protects one of the most representative murals of José Clemente Orozco. It’s amazing to appreciate it!
Afterward, an energetic snack in the premises of the area and well-adjusted tennis shoes to walk to the Temple of San Agustín, this construction dates from the seventeenth century and is located next to the Degollado Theater, in it, you will be able to appreciate one of the baroque facades that It has undergone few renovations, it also has neo-classical elements. On one side is the former Cloister of San Agustín, currently the School of Music of the University of Guadalajara. If you concentrate, you will be able to hear the musical instruments in the process of general tuning to sing melodies.
Continue through Plaza Tapatia to discover the Cabañas Cultural Center. One of the most beautiful buildings in Guadalajara, which today is the house of art, a museum that lends itself to interventions by renowned exponents, a world-class gallery, sheltering centuries of history, murals that narrate the advances of modern man from different perspectives thanks to José Clemente Orozco.
The history of the space begins in the early 1800s when Bishop Juan Cruz Ruiz de Cabañas awarded the project of a hostel to the architect Manuel Tolsá and pupil José Gutiérrez. Later the War of Independence broke out and “La Casa de Caridad y Misericordia” became a military barracks. It resumed its original purpose of sheltering the homeless until the mid-19th century, thanks to Las Hermanas de la Caridad, who gave it the name Hospicio Cabañas.
You have to stay hydrated and continue the Colonial tour of La Perla Tapatia, because a few blocks from the Cathedral, you can find other jewels that date from the Colony.
The Health of the People is the Supreme Law, said Fray Antonio Alcalde, who in 1787 began the construction of the San Miguel de Belén Hospital, today is known as the Civil Hospital. Listed as the largest in Latin America in the 18th century, with European influences of the time, it has medieval plans of a radiated star, respecting the cruciform trend of Renaissance hospitals, based on the cross of Christ. It is known by current doctors and students that the Civil Hospital facilitates the transit and inspection of patients, thanks to its architectural functionality.
Nearby, you will find the Temple of Carmen, erected next to the men’s cloister founded by the Discalced Carmelites at the end of the 15th century. The main temple, destroyed in the mid-19th century, gave way to architectural alterations. Today only a part of the convent remains that is used for art exhibitions.
Finally, on Av. Alcalde you will find the House of Dogs, known for its legends of ghosts thanks to the pair of statues of two dogs that supposedly move to guard the enclosure. This building, today is the Museum of Journalism and Graphic Arts and has a site that has existed since 1792 and which saw the emergence of the first printing press in Guadalajara. Miguel Hidalgo got to know this house of insurgent journalism because El Despertador Americano was printed there, under the tutelage of the writer Francisco Severo Maldonado.
Interesting right? We hope that on your next visit to the city you will be encouraged to discover these incredible historical points and, if you are looking for the ideal hotel to stay in, do not hesitate to use our search engine: www.guadalajaramidestino.com
