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Glorieta Minerva
Photo: Losvi GP, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This glorieta (traffic circle) showcases a giant statue of the Roman goddess Minerva (one of the most important symbols of Guadalajara), surrounded by a fountain. It's sometimes shut down to traffic and opened to pedestrians when there's a major city celebration—such as when the Chivas football team wins a major game.
A statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, stands in a roundabout fountain in Guadalajara, Mexico. The bronze sculpture rests on a large pedestal inscribed with the names of 18 notable citizens of the city. Depicted with Indigenous facial features, Minerva holds a spear and a shield, while the pedestal also bears the inscription, "May justice, wisdom and strength guard this loyal city", in Spanish. Although initially criticized by residents, the monument has since become a symbol of Guadalajara.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Glorieta Chapalita
A verdant gathering place in a lovely neighborhood (colonia) in the suburb of Zapopan, this "garden of art" sees local artists showing off their creations every Sunday while local residents show off their dogs. Raucous celebrations take place here on national holidays.
Monumento a los Niños Héroes
A massive stone spire that memorializes six teenage military cadets who died defending Mexico City's military academy from U.S. forces during the Mexican-American War.
Largest event venue in Mexico. Hosts major industrial trade shows throughout the year.
MUSA, Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara
University museum featuring temporary exhibits by local artists. The museum's star attraction is a lecture hall with a backdrop of a famous mural by Jose Clemente Orozco.
El Expiatorio, Templo del Santísimo Sacramento
This finely detailed Gothic Revival cathedral was built over decades starting in the late 19th century. There is a mechanical clock in the bell tower that features a procession of the Twelve Apostles at 09:00, 12:00 and 18:00. The interior of the church features a lovely collection of stained glass windows.
Museo de la Ciudad
Exploring Guadalajara's over 450 years of history, the Museo de la Ciudad is situated in a former convent in the Centro Histórico that dates to the 18th century. The museum's permanent collection is housed in six exhibition halls arranged chronologically according to century (16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st) and comprises artifacts and explanatory tests related to the history of Guadalajara in terms of art and architecture, ethnography, urban development, and the everyday life of Tapatíos. Temporary exhibits are also displayed, and lectures, workshops and symposia often take place in the auditorium and outdoor courtyard.