The main building of this university, whose ramparts are visible above much of the city, is one block up the hill from the basilica. The distinctive multistory white-and-blue building with the crenelated pediment dates from the 1950s. The design was (and some might say continues to be) controversial, as this dominating structure disrupts the characteristic, historic cityscape, but it's unusual enough to search out.

Universidad de Guanajuato
Guanajuato
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera
0.13 MILES
Diego Rivera's birthplace is now an excellent museum honoring the famous artist, who was persona non grata here for years. Rivera and his twin brother…
Teatro Juárez
0.15 MILES
Don’t leave Guanajuato without visiting the magnificent Teatro Juárez. It was built between 1873 and 1903 and inaugurated by the dictator Porfirio Díaz,…
Templo La Valenciana
1.69 MILES
On a hill overlooking Guanajuato, 5km north of the center, is the magnificent Templo La Valenciana. Its facade is spectacular and its interior dazzles…
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
0.07 MILES
The attractive orange-yellow Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato contains a jewel-covered image of the Virgin, patron of Guanajuato. The wooden…
Museo de las Momias
0.86 MILES
This famous museum is one of the most bizarre (some might say distasteful) sights in Mexico. The popular attraction is a quintessential example of Mexico…
Monumento a El Pípila
0.22 MILES
The monument to El Pípila honors the hero who torched the Alhóndiga gates on September 28, 1810, enabling Hidalgo's forces to win the first victory of the…
Bocamina de San Ramón & Bocamina de San Cayetano
1.75 MILES
These neighboring mines are part of the famous Valenciana mining district. Silver was discovered here in 1548. At San Ramón you can descend via steps into…
Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato
0.03 MILES
Located beside the university, this fascinating art museum displays an exquisite collection of Mexican miniatures, and 18th- and 19th-century artworks by…
Nearby Guanajuato attractions
1. Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato
0.03 MILES
Located beside the university, this fascinating art museum displays an exquisite collection of Mexican miniatures, and 18th- and 19th-century artworks by…
2. Templo de la Compañía de Jesús
0.07 MILES
Believed to be one of the largest constructions completed by the Jesuits in Mexico, this church was built between 1746 and 1765. However, just two years…
3. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato
0.07 MILES
The attractive orange-yellow Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato contains a jewel-covered image of the Virgin, patron of Guanajuato. The wooden…
4. Jardín de la Unión
0.11 MILES
This triangular plaza is lined by cafes, bars and restaurants and full of shade-giving trees in a neatly maintained garden.
5. Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera
0.13 MILES
Diego Rivera's birthplace is now an excellent museum honoring the famous artist, who was persona non grata here for years. Rivera and his twin brother…
6. Templo de San Diego
0.13 MILES
Built in 1663 by members of St Diego of Alcántara, the facade – carved pink quarry stone – exemplifies Mexican Churriqueresque and is quite lovely.
7. Teatro Juárez
0.15 MILES
Don’t leave Guanajuato without visiting the magnificent Teatro Juárez. It was built between 1873 and 1903 and inaugurated by the dictator Porfirio Díaz,…
8. Callejón del Beso
0.21 MILES
Narrowest of the many alleyways in Guanajuato's streets is this callejón, where the balconies of two houses practically touch. In a local legend, a fine…