Guadalajara, Mexico's pearl of the west, and also the second largest city in Mexico is an incredibly diverse and stately city with amazing qualities, both modern and historic, that embrace all who visit. Guadalajara is an ideal vacation destination for the traveler who is seeking a change of pace from the, sometimes overwhelming, resort scene.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Its huge belfries and its confusing architectonic features, mixture of renaissance, gothic and Moorish styles, has become an authentic emblem of Guadalajara. Its construction began in 1561 by mandate of Philip the II, the King of Spain, being consecrated only in 1616.
The Cathedral shows three niches in its main facade with images of The Asuncion, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, topping the group a circular pediment with the apostles assisting to Maria's Ascension shaped on bas-relief in the middle. There are altarpieces of the neoclassical period and splendid sculptures on the inside. Another one of its adornments is a huge organ made in France, which is the second largest in Mexico.
Regional Museum of Guadalajara
Originally built in 1701 to be a seminary, this historic building has been a museum since 1918. The museum explores pre-Columbian history through the Spanish conquest and includes some carriages from the 1800's and some paintings. Artworks of renowned modern Mexican artists, such as famous Diego Rivera, stand out amongst its treasures. Its rooms host temporary exhibitions, conferences and concerts.
Round Plaza of the Illustrious Men
It is a space to pay tribute to the illustrious characters who wrote the glorious pages of the history of Jalisco with their deeds. Designed by architect Vicente Mendiola, the colossal work is composed of 17 fluted columns with no base or capital, the same that hold a ring of quarry stone. There are 98 niches in the round plaza to contain the body remains of the illustrious men.
Instituto Cultural Cabanas
This neo-classical landmark, designed by Manuel Tolsa, originally served as an orphanage from 1810 until 1979, after which the building became a cultural venue and an art school. The walls and dome of the main chapel are adorned with a series of murals painted by Jose Clemente Orozco, including his renowned work, 'The Man of Fire'. The cultural center also hosts permanent and visiting art exhibitions.
Degollado Theatre
It was inaugurated on September the 13th of 1866, being called Great Alarcon Theatre in its early years. Later the name would change to Degollado, in honour of Santos Degollado, governor of Jalisco and great promoter of this work, designed by Jose Jacobo Galvez.
This theatre of neoclassical style is the seat of the Symphonic Orchestra of Guadalajara. But this is not all; its agitated cultural agenda includes jazz concerts, the performance of operas and diverse plays, and even a mariachi festival.
Plaza de Armas
It is a place full of memories and remembrances. It was the heart and centre of the city until the early XX century. It offers passers-by a perfect vision of the Palace of Government and other architectonic beauties of the Historic Centre. There are Greco Latin sculptures on each one of its corners representing allegorically the four seasons, and a small French pavilion in which the municipal band and that of the State of Jalisco, perform for cheerful soirees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
