Guadalajara's downtown historical district, the most European looking city in México, was built over 400 years ago by Spanish Conquistadors. There is a square mile of plazas around the Cathedral Metropolitana with grand buildings of hand-cut, hand-placed stones, and plazas designed to complement their structures. Historic churches, museums, and shops line these pedestrian malls and fountain-filled public squares. Almost every day or week, there is a concert, symphony, opera or new art exhibition. You will enjoy this social meeting place of local residents and visitors spending their free time during the day, the evenings and on weekends.
CATHEDRAL METROPOLITANA
This ornate cathedral was built over a 60 year period during the 16th and 17th centuries, at the request of Philip II, King of Spain. The many modifications, over the years, have rendered parts of it Gothic, Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassic in style. It has the second-largest pipe organ in the country and is one of the featured organs during the annual pipe organ festival usually held every May.
TEATRO DEGOLLADO
This magnificent 1866 neoclassic theater is in Centro Histórico. It was modeled after Milan's La Scala and features a dome, adorned with Geraldo Suárez's depiction of Dante's Divine Comedy, above five tiers of gilded, private box seats. Enjoy Folkloric, (Floclórico) Ballet of the University of Guadalajara, the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco), Classic Ballet and Opera in spender.
INSTITUTO CULTURAL CABAÑAS
This landmark neoclassical-style cultural center, served as home for 400 orphans and indigent children until the 1970's. The rooms, which surround twenty three flower-filled patios, contain permanent and revolving art exhibits. English speaking guides are available.
MUSEO REGIONAL DE GUADALAJARA
Formerly a seminary this museum is also known as the State Museum. The first-floor galleries, which surround a garden courtyard, contain artifacts and memorabilia that trace the history of western Mexico, there are also revolving arts and crafts exhibits. The galleries offer an impressive collection of European and Mexican artists and displays about the history of Jalisco.
MUSEO del PALACIO del GOBIERNO
The seat of Jalisco State Government has a 17th century baroque façade and an interactive multimedia resource museum which exhibits pre-Hispanic archeological pieces and illustrates the history of the building as well as the importance of tequila.
MERCADO LIBERTAD
Commonly known as Mercado San Juan de Dios, is the largest market in Latin America with over 2600 businesses in a three-square-block area. Here you will be able to acquire and endless amount of local and regional souvenirs.
MARIACHI PLAZA
Guadalajara is hometown of mariachi music, the romantic ballads performed by large bands of strikingly uniformed musicians playing guitars, violins, bases, and soulful trumpets. The plaza next to San Juan de Dios is full of mariachi musicians every night.
TEMPLO EXPIATORIO
This church is only two blocks from La Perla. The Italian neo-gothic facade is made of stone and just as in the Middle Ages, no cement or iron was used in its construction. The unique main spire is of carved cantera stone and inset with stained glass windows. The view of the church from the La Perla rooftop terrace, while you enjoy cocktails with our friends, is spectacular. The bell tower features 12 moving Apostles which appear on a balcony at one door and the return through another.
ART GALLERIES
There are over thirty public and private art galleries in Guadalajara.
