Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful cities I've seen. Set in deep valley and connected to the "outside" by tunnels through the steep mountains, this Spanish colonial gem is a vibrant, walkable city. Its narrow lanes, kaleidoscope of color and a cacophony of sound are energetic and energizing. Site of the 21,000-student University of Guanajuato, it is a youthful city as well.
Lording over the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is this heroic statue of El Pipila, a hero of the Mexican Independence movement two centuries ago.
Spreading beneath El Pipila's feet is this enticing panorama.
This steep funicular whisks passengers between the plaza in front the El Pipila monument and the heart of the old colonial city.
The funicular's base terminal is just a block from the triple-domed basilica and the simple back of the Teatro Juarez.
The theater and the basilica from the front.
The landscaped plaza across the street is not a customary square but a triangle, but still squeezes in a gazebo and a fountain.. 
India laurels, pruned to box-like shapes, grow thick and provide shade.
India laurel branches are all but impenetrable. I watched a small boy try to climb the tree and give up in discouragement, because even he found now route through.
The center of Guanajuato has two main vehicular streets, several pedestrian-only streets and a maze of narrow colonial streets.
Guanajuato's wealth came from rich silver mines in the surrounding mountains. Ore carts are used as decorative objects here and there in town.
Simple swinging doors to a neighborhood bar invite photography -- or entry.
The following images are just buildings and streetscapes that appealed to me.
Artist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato. His family's house is now a museum. The ground floor is furnished with period antiques, and the upper floors are a museum of his and contemporary artists' works.
Just as US cities boast Mexican restaurants, Guanajuato has a bagel place. Cultural cross-fertilization works both ways.
Good night, Guanajuato.
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