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Guadalajara

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Guadalajara is a very large and busy city in western Mexico.

Mapa ZMG
Mapa ZMG

It serves as the capital of the state of Jalisco. The city sits inside the Atemajac Valley.

Panorámica Guadalajara desde edificio Bansi hacia sur
Panorámica Guadalajara desde edificio Bansi hacia sur

Many people live in this crowded area. The city has about 1,385,629 people living in it. The whole metropolitan area is even bigger. It holds over 5,268,642 people.

Panorámica Guadalajara Country (cropped)
Panorámica Guadalajara Country (cropped)

This makes it the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico. It is also a very important center for business and technology.

Building a city like this takes many steps. Guadalajara did not start in its current spot. A man named Cristóbal de Oñate first set up a settlement in 1532.

Escudo de Armas de Guadalajara (Jalisco)
Escudo de Armas de Guadalajara (Jalisco)

This first place was called Mesa del Cerro. It did not last long because there was not enough water. The settlement moved to Tonalá in 1533. Then it moved to Tlacotán in 1537. Finally, the people moved to the Atemajac Valley in 1542.

Plaza de armas de Guadalajara
Plaza de armas de Guadalajara

This final move made the city's location permanent.

History has shaped how the city looks today. In 1539, the city was given a special title and a coat of arms.

Escudo de Armas de Guadalajara (Jalisco)
Escudo de Armas de Guadalajara (Jalisco)

It became the capital of the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia. Later, the city grew very wealthy because of silver. By the 1700s, it was the second-largest city in Mexico. During the Mexican War of Independence, a leader named Miguel Hidalgo arrived in 1810.

Spomenik u Guadalajari
Spomenik u Guadalajari

He even helped end slavery in the city that year. The city grew much more during the Industrial Revolution.

There are many famous places to see in Guadalajara.

The Guadalajara Cathedral is a very famous landmark. You can also visit the Degollado Theatre.

Another special site is the Hospicio Cabañas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. For shopping, people go to the San Juan de Dios Market. It is the largest indoor market in Latin America.

Guadalajara (14984520441) (cropped)
Guadalajara (14984520441) (cropped)

The city is also known for its great schools. The University of Guadalajara is one of the best in the country.

Guadalajara is a place where culture comes to life. It is famous for things like Mariachi music and Tequila.

JALISCO
JALISCO

The city hosts many big events every year. It has a huge international book fair.

Stand en FIL
Stand en FIL

It also has a very important film festival.

Guadalajara Filmfestival
Guadalajara Filmfestival

People from all over the world visit for these events. The city has even hosted the FIFA World Cup.

Rio 2007 closing ceremony 3
Rio 2007 closing ceremony 3

It is a bright and active part of Mexico.

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🖼️ Images & Media (45)
File:La amazona del Teatro Degollado (cropped).jpg
La amazona del Teatro Degollado (cropped).jpg
File:Arcos y cúpula.JPG
Arcos y cúpula.JPG
File:Nebel Voyage 42 Guadalajara.jpg
Nebel Voyage 42 Guadalajara.jpg
File:Spomenik u Guadalajari.jpg
Spomenik u Guadalajari.jpg
File:Guadalajara, c. 1905.jpg
Guadalajara, c. 1905.jpg
File:Guadalajara, Jalisco, México 19.0.jpg
Guadalajara, Jalisco, México 19.0.jpg
File:Cascada, Barranca de Huentitlan, Jalisco - panoramio (4).jpg
Cascada, Barranca de Huentitlan, Jalisco...
File:20 de noviembre de zapopan.jpg
20 de noviembre de zapopan.jpg
File:Panorámica Guadalajara desde edificio Bansi hacia sur.jpg
Panorámica Guadalajara desde edificio...
File:Zonas de Guadalajara.svg
Zonas de Guadalajara.svg
File:Plaza de armas de Guadalajara.jpg
Plaza de armas de Guadalajara.jpg
File:Panorámica Guadalajara Country (cropped).jpg
Panorámica Guadalajara Country (cropped).jpg

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