Salvatierra

Beautifully landscaped main town square with towering boxwood hedges, brick walking paths, frequent benches, fountains, statues, and a central bandstand. The town's main church and the city hall (Presidencia Municipal) are here as well as many places to buy fresh ice cream (nieves).

Magnificently opulent colonial era baroque church with a churrigueresque facade dominated by two enormous bell towers and a large courtyard filled with sculptures, gardens, and arched patios. The interior is full of spectacular religious art with a number of 18th and 19th century oil paintings. The church was designed by Manuel Tolsa and Francisco Eduardo Tresguerras.

Small regional museum with cultural and historical exhibits. Lots of antique objects and old photos, maps, and documents.

This 16th century hacienda is the oldest in the state of Guanajuato, and locals say it can be a spine-chilling place to visit because it's haunted by the spirits of long-dead inhabitants, some soldiers and friars, but most the indigenous locals who were enslaved under the colonial economiendo system that permitted slaves to be held by conquering Spaniards. Visitors report seeing ghosts in the furniture, or a military man (sometimes with a train, that somehow appears inside the hacienda itself). Most agree the place would scare the bejeebers out of most anyone because it feels gloomy with dark, mildewed walls, immense heavy doors, and a labyrinth of rooms and passages.

Historic bridge, built by Carmelite missionaries in 1652. Site of a battle in 1813 during the Mexican War of Independence.

Historic colonial-era church with clean neo-classical architecture and a bright interior that feels more European than Mexican. The church has an interior courtyard garden with statues and fountains. Tranquil and beautiful church.

Who doesn't want to party with nuns? Well, I don't know about the party, but you could pray in their church with them. This is an active convent and you might well see the nuns at mass. If you're just there for the sightseeing, you'll admire the stone construction and the brutal appearance that looks more like a medieval fortress than a typical church. Behind the stone walls is an absolutely beautiful church that's bright with an elaborate main altar and two side chapels. The nuns are rumored to sell obleas, churros, and rompope. Hope it's the kind with lots of rum in it.

Natural park on the banks of the Rio Lerma. Very scenic with lots of rocks along the river, there's a waterfall that makes a good backdrop for selfies. Family friendly with a play area for the little guys. Picnic area with palapas and barbecue grills.