A Short History of Guadalajara in 5 Buildings

The birthplace of mariachi and tequila, Checo and cowboys, Guadalajara possesses a certain grace and vitality. Its character is reflected in its name, which spills off the tongue every time you pronounce it. Dominated by the famous Guadalajara Cathedral (formally known as the Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Virgen María), its recognizable set of yellow-tiled, neo-Gothic bell towers graze the underbelly of a blue sky that produces 300 sunny days each year. Beneath the church’s astonishing fusion of architectural styles – aside from the towers, one can spot Spanish Renaissance, Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical influences – is a population, known locally as tapatíos, whose daily musings exude the layered history and quirky personality traits representative of the capital city of Mexico’s Jalisco state.

In so many ways, Guadalajara is a reflection of this country that houses upwards of 130 million people; in so many others, it’s unapologetically its own, captivating self. Gabriela Solís, writer, historian, and Guadalajara native, sees her hometown as “more of a province, far from the capital characteristics of Mexico City.” It’s a big city with a small-town feel perched inside Atemajac Valley. Geographically, it’s a sprawling hub whose wide boulevards radiate from its historic core, with colonial and indigenous threads weaved throughout. Artistically, it buzzes – from visual arts to music to powerhouses of architecture, few cities rival Guadalajara in its contributions to Mexico’s cultural scene. As far as flavor, the tapatíos have created a symphony of spices and sauces to ardently pique the interest of foodies with a penchant for everything from street food to fine dining.

Guadalajara’s skyline is dominated by its cathedral, which houses the remains of Santa Innocencia, a young girl from the 1700s who was apparently killed by her father when she converted to Catholicism.

Jorch R Orrantia

How does one begin to grasp the profound influence of Guadalajara without running through an endless pile of fat textbooks? A simple spin around town just may suffice. The city brims with glittering landmarks that, with the right approach, serve as a veritable open-air museum highlighting Mexico’s history, culture, and lifestyle. While there are dozens of impressive buildings in Jalisco’s crown jewel that are well worth a visit, we’ve narrowed the list to five. Pin the following must-sees on your virtual map and revel in Guadalajara’s history as it unfolds before your eyes.

Casas Robles Castillo

Passerby of Casas Robles Castillo might notice that Luis Barragán’s first architectural project seems a little out of place. Located at the corner of Avenida Vallarta and Argentina, the somewhat rambling and buttery yellow abode resembles a countryside hacienda. “Since I was a kid,” says Solís, “(the house) felt to me like it didn’t belong in the city, but rather in the country: the color of the facade, its interior patios, the red roof, the archways… these characteristics reminded me more of a ranch than a house in the city.” Which would make sense, given Barragán’s childhood spent in his father’s country homes outside of Guadalajara. The Casa Robles Castillo suffered architectural changes to its facade when it was later rented to a Subway franchise and sits currently in a state of disrepair.

Striking lines, vibrant hues, and tranquil spaces: the signature style of Luis Barragán.

Arturo Sicilia

Barragán studied architecture during the Mexican Revolution of 1910, a tumultuous period of rebellion against then-President Porfirio Diaz. During his 30-year reign, Diaz fostered an economic growth that had been largely driven by foreign investment, resulting in French, Greek, and Italian-style architecture found in much of Mexico’s urban swath. In the 1920s, Barragán kickstarted the "Escuela Tapatía” architectural movement which blended vernacular Mexican architecture with Mediterranean influences. This uniquely Mexican style, characterized by its bold use of color, light, and traditional materials, has persisted to modern times.

Address: Avenida Vallarta 1095 and Argentina 27, Americana, Guadalajara

Instituto Cultural Cabañas 

The Instituto Cultural Cabañas, built between 1796 and 1810, was designed by Manuel Tolsá and has since served the city in a variety of ways: as a workhouse, orphanage, hospice and, today, a cultural center and Guadalajara’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Within its walls you’ll find 23 courtyards, a chapel, and innovative lighting and ventilation solutions, which have marked it a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture in the Americas.

Inside the UNESCO site Instituto Cultural Cabañas is Jose Clemente Orozco’s famous "El Hombre de Fuego" or "The Man of Fire” mural, widely regarded as his magnum opus and a masterpiece of Mexican muralism.

Noah Sauve

Despite the accolades to Tolsa’s architectural genius, the real impact of Instituto Cultural Cabañas derives from the 57 frescos painted on its ceilings and walls. Between 1938-1939, José Clemente Orozco illuminated Mexico’s clamorous history, from the Spanish conquest to post-revolutionary social struggles, through his use of powerful imagery and bold color.

Read more: Mexico’s Hanal Pixan is Not the Day of the Dead

At a time when Mexican muralism was on the rise, Orozco's work stood out, challenging social norms and exploring themes of human resilience. Orozco emerged as a leading figure in 20th-century art alongside giants like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, contributing significantly to Mexico's cultural identity and the global art scene.

Address: Calle Cabañas 8, Las Fresas, Guadalajara

El Parián

In the lively southern suburb of Tlaquepaque sits a large square known as El Parián renowned for authentic Jaliscan cuisine, tequila, and a festive atmosphere. Surrounded by 18 restaurants and bars under columned arcades, its beating heart is the bandstand, usually adorned with a rainbow of papel picado fluttering above a wooden, octagonal gazebo. If you’ve arrived somewhere between late afternoon and midnight any day of the week but Wednesday, you’ll likely encounter an interactive Mariachi performance spilling out from the center stage.

El Parián’s famous gazebo is also the grand stage for mariachi musicians, who have been performing here since the late 1920s.

Kobby Dagan

In 1878, El Parián was constructed to serve predominantly as a local shopping center. When cantinas started popping up, it morphed from market to a meeting spot for entertainment. Mariachi performances weren’t introduced until 1927, and as the years went by and the musical style increased in popularity, the plaza became a symbol of Jaliscan culture. It’s the perfect place to sample regional foods like tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches) and birria (spicy meat stew) while sipping on a tejuino (fermented corn drink) or cazuela (a communal tequila cocktail served in a clay pot), all while belting out romantic Mexican ballads with your neighbors.

Address: Calle Progreso 15, Centro, San Pedro Tlaquepaque

Cantina la Fuente

Another unassuming exterior leads to an iconic representation of tapatío heritage. Cantina La Fuente, founded in 1921, lacks both windows and signage, but patrons from Guadalajara and beyond flock to the cavernous space with mute mustard walls, plain wooden tables, stone archways, and a central piano, to knock back a few with friends. 

Read more: Can the Mexican Cantina Rise Once Again?

Knock back what? Tequila, of course. The spirit is deeply rooted in Guadalajara's culture, and its international recognition has made it a powerful ambassador for Mexico as a whole.

Nothing like tucking into some traditional Jaliscan cuisine while sipping on a local tequila in one of the country’s most famous cantinas.

Juan Pablo Hinojosa

Legend has it, the building was owned by Francisco Velarde, better known as The Golden Donkey. The prominent and controversial socialite was said to be a frivolous spendthrift, wearing only clothes with gold threading and boots with gold heels. During the short 19th century reign of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian, Velarde attempted to befriend the politician, an act for which he was later executed by Benito Juárez during Mexico’s War for Independence.

The lifestyle that Cantina La Fuente represents is proudly Jaliscan – botanas (snacks) like frijoles con queso (beans and cheese), daily live performances of cultural anthems that preserve its musical heritage, and the cantina’s role as an affordable gathering space for people of any social class, a defining trait of Mexican life. 

Address: Calle Pino Suárez 78, Zona Centro, Guadalajara

Juan José Arreola Public Library

A little controversy, a lot of books. When the Juan José Arreola Public Library hit the scene in 2012, onlookers were equal parts shocked and impressed. Designed by Gonzalez Gortázar Arquitectos, the library's modern and unusual structure features diagonally-placed perpendicular windows with a cross-patterned arrangement, giving it a strong resemblance to a precariously-stacked jenga tower.

The complex is divided into two parts: the Edificio Contemporáneo and the Edificio Histórico. Between the two, up to 3,600 visitors can simultaneously peruse a collection of over 1 million books. In addition to varying styles of literature, there are nearly half a million historical documents, books in 68 indigenous languages, the country’s oldest newspaper, and a cafeteria and bar for reading.

Part of the University of Guadalajara, the Juan José Arreola Public Library stands out from the surrounding architecture as the largest library in the state of Jalisco.

Francisco J Ramos Gallego

The building is unlike anything else in Guadalajara. It’s cutting-edge design, whether you like it or not, is a testament to the city’s incorporation of modern and traditional. Additionally, it’s Mexico's second-largest library and is considered one of the most important libraries in Latin America.

Address: Periférico Norte Manuel Gómez Morín, C. Prol. Belenes # 1695, Zapopan

These landmarks aren't just buildings – they're living testimonies to the spirit of a city that remains unapologetically proud of its unique soul. Through these five architectural treasures, we glimpse the essence of Guadalajara, a city that proudly maintains its provincial soul while embracing its metropolitan status.