Located 6,700 ft in the mountains, Guanajuato used to be Mexico’s most notable silver mining city and is the capital of Guanajuato state. Guanajuato (gwah-nah-HWAH-toh) means 'hilly place of frogs' and was declared by UNESCO to be a "World Heritage Zone".
Undoubtedly, Guanajuato is one of Mexico's most beautifully preserved colonial cities, and owes its fame and fortune to the silver and gold discovered by the Spanish in the mid-15th century.
Adding to the already eye-pleasing structures left by the Spanish, many other architecturally outstanding monuments and buildings were built in the early 20th century during the presidency of Porfirio Diaz. Such landmarks include the Juarez theatre, the government palace, and the Hidalgo market, among others.
Guanajuato's downtown core maintains its architectural integrity by restricting gas stations and other concessions to contemporary living to the outlying areas.
However, it's not only the past that resounds from Guanajuato's narrow cobbled streets and colonial buildings. The University of Guanajuato, serving as the city's cultural nucleus, gives Guanajuato a vibrant cultural life where plays, concerts, dance and international movies take place year-round. In October, Guanajuato plays host to the International Cervantino Festival, where world renowned music, dance and theatre groups come from around the world to perform.
Located 6,700 ft in the mountains, Guanajuato used to be Mexico’s most notable silver mining city and is the capital of Guanajuato state. Guanajuato (gwah-nah-HWAH-toh) means 'hilly place of frogs' and was declared by UNESCO to be a "World Heritage Zone". 
