The City At Our Feet

Guanajuato is a city built in a steep-sided valley, which means there are an abundance of points from which to view this amazing city. One of the best views is from the El Pípila Monument on the south rim. It can be reached through a torturous ascent of winding paths and irregular stairs, or one can pay $15 pesos to ride a 176 meter-long, 42 degree funicular (we chose the later).

Once you get to the top and wade through the many souvenir stalls, the panorama is stupendous. The entire city center is laid out below. We found a quiet little bar in which to enjoy a cold refreshment, right on the edge of the hill. I set about taking bunches of photos, which will be stitched into a panorama once I get the appropriate software, but for now this semi-panorama will have to suffice.

The yellow building in the center is the Basilica, built between 1671 & 1696. Above and slightly to the left is the main University of Guanajuato building, with its famous 113 steps. Immediately to the right is the Templo de la Compañia de Jesús and above it all on the north rim is the Mina de Rayas, one of the mines which helped to build this city, which we have yet to visit.