A highlight of a walking tour of Guanajuato is delving into the city’s amazing network of subterranean streets and alleys.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Guanajuato, is that the majority of the city’s motorists use this network of underground tunnels to get around the city. As a result, traffic is light throughout many of the streets and alleyways of the historic center.
Guanajuato’s complex underground network of roadways is paved in cobblestones and well-lit with junctions, cross roads and even pedestrian footpaths. The organization of the tunnels is similar to that of a city subway system and several local public bus routes run underground.
Stone staircases lead down from street level into the underground tunnels offering pedestrians an alternative to the labyrinth of alleyways that snake through the historic center of Guanajuato. Even if you’re not planning to drive while visiting the city, it’s worth heading underground to explore this expansive network of tunnels and roadways.
Guanajuato is a city steeped in legend, and its famous tunnels are no exception. According to local legend, La Llorona (the weeping woman) is said to wander the tunnels of Guanajuato.
Built of necessity to handle the often-flooded Guanajuato River (Rio Guanajuato) that once flowed under the city, the tunnels became obsolete after a nearby dam was constructed to control the river upstream.
The extensive network of tunnels that remained were put to good use as roadways, alleviating the congested streets aboveground and making the streets safer and more interesting for pedestrians.
These cobblestone roadways also accommodate pedestrians through a number of well-marked footpaths that are fun to explore.
Accessible from stone staircases at numerous locations around the old city, the tunnels are a must-see attraction and they can also save time if you need to get from one place to another in a hurry.
Sources:
- http://www.planetware.com/
- www.visitmexico.com