The greater Guadalajara metropolitan area comprises Guadalajara itself plus the adjacent municipalities of Tlaquepaque, Tonala, Zapopan and four lesser communities, which together make up the second largest metropolitan area in Mexico after Greater Mexico City.
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Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Founded in 1531 by Spanish settlers under Spanish explorer Cristóbal de Oñate in an area ideal for agriculture and livestock breeding as well as rich in minerals, Guadalajara is today one of Mexico’s largest cities and a major cultural and commercial center of the nation. It is a city known for its colonial architecture, plazas and fountains. The core of Guadalajara’s historical center forms a Latin cross demarcated by four plazas surrounding its regal central cathedral. The historical center is a maze of elaborate colonades, gardens and other impressive structures of the colonial era.
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Guadalajara’s Plazas and Central Attractions
- Plaza de la Liberación, or Plaza de las Dos Copas, is bounded by the Cathedral and Degollado Theatre, home of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra and Jalisco´s own Folkloric Ballet from the University of Guadalajara..
- The Plaza de Armas, with its intricate central bandstand where bands play every Thursday and Sunday, is overlooked by the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), home of the State Legislature which features impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco.
- Plaza de Los Laureles, with it´s precisely manicured trees, is punctuated by a large fountain and the Coat of Arms of Guadalajara
- The Rotonda de los Jalisciences Ilustres (Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans) is located between the Cathedral and the Guadalajara Regional Museum, housed in what was once the San José Seminary. The Museum, located at Liceo No. 60, is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 5:45 pm, and Sundays 9 am to 3:45 pm.
Other Points of Interest in Guadalajara proper
- The San Agustín Church (16th C) lies next to the Teatro Degollado. Its convent now is home to the music school of the University of Guadalajara.
- Cabañas Cultural Institute – Built as an orphanage by Bishop Ruiz de Cabañas, the Cultural Center is composed of 23 interior patios, with a mural by Orozco in the dome of its chapel.
- Mercado Libertad, or San Juan de Dios Market, is one of the largest and most interesting in all of Mexico, full of brilliant colors, piquant aromas and the constant bustle and buzz of vendors, hawkers and shoppers and browsers.
- The Guadalajara Archaeological Museum is located on 16 de Septiembre 889 and is open from 10 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm. Closed Mondays and Saturdays.
- Casa de las Artesanias holds an impressive collection of ceramics, blown glass, metalcraft, leatherwork and papier maché. Located at Calzada Gonzalez Gallo No. 20, it is open Monday through Fridsay from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Charreadas (rodeos) are held at the Jalisco Charro Ring, Av. R. Michel 577, every Sunday at midday. Each event last approximately 2 hours and is accompanied by Mariachi music and the excitement of the enthusiastic crowds.
- The “Federico A. Solórzano Barreto” Paleontology Museum: The Guadalajara Paleontology Museum was opened in 2000 and has on display the fossils of diverse prehistoric animals found in Jalisco. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel. 3619-7043. Location: Av. Dr. R. Michel No. 520, Guadalajara.
Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan
Today, what were the outlying towns of Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan form part of the metropolitan area of the city of Guadalajara. These towns have long been known as some of the major artisan and handicrafts production centers of the country, and Tlaquepaque’s streets and plazas are lined with stores and museums replete with ceramics, ironwork, blown and spun glass, carved wood, clay and papier maché items from the most rustic to the most elegant.
Tonala is host every Thursday and Sunday to an enormous handicrafts market covering many of the central streets and where the focus is greatly on pottery and ceramics. Zapopan, on the other hand, grew up around the production of textiles and fiber crafts.
Tlaquepaque Hotels | Zapopan Hotels | Mexican Crafts
Major attractions in Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Zapopan
Tlaquepaque:
- The Regional Ceramics Museum (Museo Regional de la Cerámica) was founded in 1954 and shows the various styles and techniques used in the traditional pottery of the area. Locaed at Calle Independiencia 237. Open 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
- El Parián is Tlaquepaque´s folkloric center for family fun, with excellent food, music and crafts on display and for sale.
- La Parroquia de San Pedro, (Church of Saint Peter) built in 1813, is dedicated to the patron saint of the town
- El Refugio Cultural Center, on Donato Guerra No. 160, was until 978 used as a hospital and in 1983 was taken over by the municipality as a historical and cultural center. Open 9am to 7 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Tonalá:
- Tonalá Regional Museum: Calle Ramón Coronoa. Open 10 am to 5 pm. A typical adobe structure that houses temporary expositions of regional artists and artisans.
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