Greater Guadalajara

Founded in 1542 by Spanish settlers in an area ideal for agriculture and livestock breeding as well as rich in minerals, the core of Guadalajara's Historical center forms a Latin cross demarcated by four plazas surrounding it's regal central cathedral. The Historical center is a maze of elaborate colonades, gardens and fabulous colonial architecture.

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Guadalajara's Plazas and Central Attractions

• Plaza de la Liberación, or Plaza de las Dos Copas, is bounded by the Cathedral and Degollado Theatre, home of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra and Jalisco´s own Folkloric Ballet from the University of Guadalajara..
• The Plaza de Armas, with its intricate central bandstand where bands play every Thursday and Sunday, is overlooked by the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), home of the State Legislature which features impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco.
• Plaza de Los Laureles, with it´s precisely manicured trees, is punctuated by a large fountain and the Coat of Arms of Guadalajara
• The Rotonda de los Jalisciences Ilustres (Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans) is located between the Cathedral and the Guadalajara Regional Museum, housed in what was once the San José Seminary. The Museum, located at Liceo No. 60, is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 5:45 pm, and Sundays 9 am to 3:45 pm.

Other Points of Interest in Guadalajara proper

• The San Agustín Church (16th C) lies next to the Teatro Degollado. Its convent now is home to the music school of the University of Guadalajara.
• Cabañas Cultural Institute - Built as an orphanage by Bishop Ruiz de Cabañas, the Cultural Center is composed of 23 interior patios, with a mural by Orozco in the dome of its chapel.
• Mercado Libertad, or San Juan de Dios Market, is one of the largest and most interesting in all of Mexico, full of brilliant colors, piquant aromas and the constant bustle and buzz of vendors, hawkers and shoppers and browsers.
• Guadalajaras Archaeological Museum is located on 16 de Septiembre 889 and is open from 10 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm. Closed Mondays and Saturdays.
• Casa de las Artesanias holds an impressive collection of ceramics, blown glass, metalcraft, leatherwork and papier maché. Located at Calzada Gonzalez Gallo No. 20, it is open Monday through Fridsay from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
• Charreadas (rodeos) are held at the Jalisco Charro Ring, Av. R. Michel 577, every Sunday at midday. Each event last approximately 2 hours and is accompanied by Mariachi music and the excitement of the enthusiastic crowds.

Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan

Today, what were the outlying towns of Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan form part of the metropolitan area of the city of Guadalajara. Tlaquepaque in particular has long been known as one of the major artesanal and handicrafts centers of the country, and it's streets and plazas are lined with stores and museums replete with ceramics, ironwork, blown and spun glass, carved wood, clay and papier maché items from the most rustic to the most elegant.

Mexican arts, crafts and folk art

Major attractions in Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan

• Tlaquepaque:

  • The Regional Ceramics Museum (Museo Regional de la Cerámica) was founded in 1954 and shows the various styles and techniques used in the traditional pottery of the area. Locaed at Calle Independiencia 237. Open 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
  • El Parián is Tlaquepaque´s folkloric center for family fun, with excellent food, music and crafts on display and for sale.
  • Parroquia de San Pedro, (Church of Saint Peter) built in 1813, is dedicated to the patron saint of the town
  • El Refugio Cultural Center, on Donato Guerra No. 160, was until 978 used as a hospital and in 1983 was taken over by the municipality as a historical and cultural center. Open 9am to 7 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
• Tonalá:
  • Tonalá Regional Museum. Calle Ramón Coronoa. Open 10 am to 5 pm. A typical adobe structure that houses temporary expositions of regional artists and artisans.
  • National Ceramics Museum: Popular pottery crafts of Mexico. Located on Constitución Street. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
  • Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol: The Church of Santiago the Apostle was the 2nd Church to be constructed in the valley. The Saint Santiago Festival is held on July 25th.
• Zapopan:
  • Basilica de Zapopan: The Zapopan Basilica was constructed in 1690 by the Franciscan fathers and is a major religious center dedicated to the Virgin of Zapopan.
  • Arco de Ingreso and Paseo Teopitzintli: A colonial styled arch depicting the regional history and culture in sculptures and reliefs on its surface. Behind the arch lies the cobblestone walkway, Paseo Teopitzintli, named for the ancient God of Corn

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