| Registration Classification | cultural heritage |
| Registration Criteria | (1),(2),(4),(6) |
| Year of registration | 1988 |
Guanajuato is a small mining town located on the Anáhuac Plateau at an altitude of 2,100 meters in central Mexico. The town was founded after silver mines were discovered by the Spanish in the early 16th century; it prospered so much that a quarter of the world’s silver was mined here in the 18th century, and the town retains elegant Baroque and neoclassical architecture.
Here, a World Heritage enthusiast explains why theHistoric Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines is a World Heritage Site in an easy-to-understand manner.Read this and you will definitely learn more about the Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines!
What is the Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines?
In the 16th century, the Spanish discovered silver deposits in the area, which led to a rapid increase in the number of immigrants.In the 18th century, a quarter of the world’s silver was calculated from this town, and the city grew rapidly.The city was lined with many baroque buildings, including magnificent churches built with donations from the citizens, not to mention luxurious mansions.
However, since the wealth was monopolized only by the Spanish, the citizens’ dissatisfaction exploded, and in the 19th century, the first victory of the rebel forces in the city triggered the Mexican War of Independence. Silver mining also declined dramatically, and the mines were used as underground tunnels.
Today, Guanajuato has become famous as the largest academic city in Mexico, with the University of Guanajuato, founded in 1732, and the Juarez Theater with its neoclassical exterior.
Major Registered Properties
Valenciana Church
The church building was built by Count Valenciana, the owner of the mines.It is characterized by its flamboyant appearance, so much so that it is called Ultra Baroque. The main altar is richly decorated with gold, showing its former prosperity.
Cathedral of Santa Maria de Guanajuato
Built in the 17th century, the cathedral’s main color is yellow. The splendid façade is its symbol. The interior is known for the statue of the Virgin Mary donated by King Felipe II of Spain.
For what reason is the Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines a World Heritage Site?
The Guanajuato Historic District and Mine was recognized for
Registration Criteria (i)
That the colorful and beautiful old town is a legacy of human talent.
Registration Criteria (ii)
The point is that it was a world-leading mining town, and its architecture and other features indicate that cultural exchange was very active.
Registration Criteria (iv)
The point is that baroque and neoclassical construction and other styles have influenced the architectural style of central Mexico.
Registration Criteria (vi)
The fact that Guanajuato is a symbol of Mexican independence, as the former silver mines were turned into underground passages during the Mexican War of Independence.
Conclusions and Thoughts of a World Heritage Maniac
The colorful old town is of course beautiful, but it is also one of the world’s leading silver-producing areas, a town where Baroque and neoclassical architecture was created and where a variety of cultural exchanges can be seen.The city is also highly regarded for being the starting point of the War of Independence.
Incidentally, Guanajuato is also registered as a heritage site for a road called “Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.This is a road that was built to transport silver from Mexico City, which was the capital of the country.
*The content here is a discussion derived from research conducted by World Heritage enthusiasts.As for the data, interpretation differs depending on the medium.
