Saturday 9/8/01 - Today we drove to Guanajuato, going through the town of Dolores Hidalgo to take the scenic mountainous route. The city owes its foundation to the rich silver mines that were discovered by the Spanish from 1548 onwards, and subsequently went on to become the richest city in Mexico in the 16th century. The mining splendor of this period is reflected in the city's magnificent religious and civil architecture.
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Underground
road systems and tunnels have been built through the mountains to
relieve the city's traffic problems. At left is the entrance to one of
the many tunnels.
Harry was driving as we entered Guanajuato, and he was a little tense at first as we did the "lost in the tunnels" routine while looking for a parking garage. Safely parked, we also negotiated a car wash from an enterprising man who offered his services. |
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At right is Harry on the lower steps of the University of Guanajuato. The origin of the University goes back to the arrival of the Jesuits and their founding of the College of the Holy Trinity in 1732. In 1828 it became the property of the Government of the State and was renamed the State College. In 1945 it gained university status. This impressive neoclassical style building, made of green stone, currently houses the Rector's Office and administrative and academic offices, as well as a number of the University's schools and faculties. We visited the Don Quixote museum; we climbed the hundreds of steps up to the statue of El Pipila. The Pipila monument was erected in 1939. The rose colored sculpture is in honor of Juan Jose de los Reyes Martinez. "El Pipila," as he came to be known, was the hero of the struggle for Mexican Independence. By setting fire to the portal of the Alhondiga de Granaditas (the grainery) with a torch, he made it possible to take the building on September 28, 1810. Following is a picture taken from the hill where the monument is located, looking down on the city. (Click on the thumbnail.) Notice the man standing at the edge of the terrace, lower left, to gain perspective of the height.
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At left we are
going down into the famous Valenciana mine, which has been exploited
since 1774. In the 18th and early 19th century, by using slave labor of
Indians and blacks, it was responsible for providing an estimated two
thirds of all the silver mined in Guanajuato. Still in operation, the
mine has a shaft measuring 1,722 feet.
Back to San Miguel late in the day. At night, the fireworks have already started as they are gearing up for El Grito celebrations - the Cry of Independence - beginning on September 15. Viva Mexico! (Mexicans use fireworks to celebrate anything and everything.) Advance to PAGE 4.
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