Discover the Magic Towns of Guanajuato in the following article published by Art Kramer for Travel Pulse.
Every country on the planet has hidden gems, those undiscovered places that offer beauty, history, culture and tradition – little corners that transport visitors to a world of magic.
In Mexico, these hidden gems are known as Magic Towns, or Pueblos Mágicos.
Magic Towns are enriched with history, culture, and mystical legends that create a bewitching atmosphere, enticing visitors to explore them.
Guanajuato is home to five Magic Towns.
The City of Dolores Hidalgo – This Magic Town is the cradle of Mexico’s independence. Visiting Dolores Hidalgo is an experience that induces travelers to appreciate and love Mexico’s history and culture. The city’s streets and architecture invite your imagination to soar, transporting you to the country’s legendary past. Strolling through the streets, visitors begin to gain a better understanding of how the Mexico of present was formed, and how its modern day people, culture, language, and cuisine came to be. The city is also home to one of Mexico’s most beloved and iconic musicians, José Alfredo Jiménez, whose music is often heard filling the air.
Dolores, Hidalgo (Photo: zonaturistica.com)
Mineral de Pozos – The Magic Town of Mineral de Pozos has a palpable mystical air that has undoubtedly lingered from its interesting past. The town was not only once home to the aboriginal Chichimeca peoples, but it was later inhabited by Spaniards, and also had a stint as a mining town. Even more mysterious is that it was also abandoned on two occasions. Once due to the independence movement in Mexico and again as a result of the Cristero War. The enigmatic town is now experiencing an artistic renaissance and is home to the annual Mariachi Festival.
Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato (photo: mexicodesconocido.com)
Jalpa – Approximately 30 miles from Leon is the Magic Town of Jalpa. Here, visitors will find architecture dating from the XVII, XVIII and XIX centuries. Amongst the most important buildings visitors must explore are the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción and the Ex-Hacienda de Cañada de Negros, among others.
Jalpa, Guanajuato (photo: visitmexico.com)
Salvatierra – Crowned by the Lerma River, Salvatierra offers visitors hours and days of exploration and contemplation of its ancient religious structures, haciendas, plazas, parks, gardens and cobblestone streets. When your inner explorer has been satisfied, visitors will find that the nightlife in Salvatierra is also quite satisfying with a selection of restaurants and bars, and its famous festivals like the La Marquesada, attended by more than 50,000 tourists each year.
Salvatierra, Guanajuato (photo: visitmexico.com)
Yuriria – The Magic Town of Yuriria, considered one of the most enchanting places in Guanajuato, is adjacent to lake Yuririapúndaro. The town is home to a monumental 16th century convent that has been chronicled as “one of the most sober constructions that you could ever imagine.” Today, the ancient monastery is a museum that exhibits interesting relics, including paintings of Mexican missionaries sacrificed in the Far East.
Yuriria, Guanajuato (photo: viajandomexico.com)
Source: TravelPulse
