In each corner of the state of Guanajuato, big and small cultural treasures are hidden that, for some reason, do not appear in all the conventional tourist guide books or documentaries about the region that houses natural attractions, archaeological sites, vineyards, farms and two cities considered by UNESCO as World Heritage.
For example, people might have visited the funicular or the Museum of the Mummies in Guanajuato, but not many travelers are aware of the fact that in this state there are also five archaeological zones open to the public.
Archaeological sites in Guanajuato
The Bajío region has a broad cultural background that can be explored throughout the year to understand where it comes from and where it is going. Peralta is the largest archaeological area of the State and dates from 300 and 900 AD. Here are the Enclosure of the Rulers, the Divisadero and two temples can be explored to learn more about the pre-Hispanic cultures of Guanajuato.
There are also the archaeological sites of Plazuelas, Cañada de la Virgen (where the House of the Thirteen Skies stands out from where the stars were observed) and El Cóporo, which is a set of architectural spaces distributed on the top and slopes of a hill.
El Coporo archaeological zone (Photo: El coporo archaeological zone)
Arroyo Seco is also a very important area, since it contains a cave painting that tells the story, not only of the State, but also of the way in which the region was populated in prehistoric times.
It is estimated that the first population to arrive in this region did so in the year 7,000 BC.
Paintings of Arroyo Seco (Photo: unionguanajuato.mx)
However, the trip throughout the state of Guanajuato does not stop at its archaeological sites, but it obviously includes the capital city, where museums and artistic expressions are all over the place.
Diego Rivera
In the heart of the city of Guanajuato, is the Diego Rivera House Museum, which on its first floor transports visitors to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. On December 8, 1886, Diego Rivera was born in this house, so in the museum it is possible to see how this painter grew up, as well as some of his first sketches and works.
Museo del Pueblo
This house converted into a museum belonged to an important Guanajuato family, but now it is open to the public. In its halls, the visitor can enjoy sacred art by important artists such as José Chávez Morado and Hermenegildo Bustos.
One of the most outstanding and marvelous works of art are located at the Baroque chapel where a mural by maestro José Chávez Morado stands out.
In this place rest the ashes of these two masters of the plastic arts, and the visitor can see how they lived during the last years of their life, by taking a tour of this museum.
Museo del Pueblo (Photo: Unión Guanajuato)
Palacio de los Poderes
In October 1903, Don Porfirio Diaz, then president of the country, founded this beautiful building that today can be enjoyed by all visitors.
Discover its Imperial-style staircase, which also highlights the coat of arms of the city and the national coat of arms, designed with authentic Venetian mosaics.
This place is wonderful both inside and out. Its appearance was designed and built by Cecilio Luis Long in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Palacio de los Poderes (Youtube)
Conde Rul Museum
Former property of Count Diego Rul, the museum that bears his name tells a lot of stories of heartbreak, love deceptions and life in Guanajuato. This museum houses the extensive work of master painting Jesus Gallardo.
SMT Newsroom with information from
