Guadalajara, jalisco

The city was established in three other places before where it is now. The first settlement  was in Mesa del Cerro, now known as San Juan. This site was settled by Juan de Oñate  as commissioned by Nuño de Guzman . The purpose of the city was to secure the recent conquests made and to provide defense against still-hostile natives.  it was moved to a location near Tonala Two years later, Guzmán ordered that the village be moved to Tlacotán. While the settlement was here.

The historic downtown of Guadalajara is the oldest section of the city, where it was founded and where the oldest buildings are located. It centers on Paseo Morelos, Hospicio from the Plaza de Armas, where the seats of ecclesiastical and secular power are, east toward the Plaza de Mariachis and the Hospicio Cabañas. The Plaza de Armas is a rectangular plaza with gardens.

The  Metropolitan Cathedral began construction in 1558 and was consecrated in 1616.  They are considered one of the city's symbols. The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and Neoclassical. The interior has three naves and eleven side altars, covered by a roof supported by thirty Doric column.

Guadalajara is the cultural center of western Mexico and the second most important cultural center in the country.It is nicknamed the "Pearl of the West." While it is a modern city, it has kept many of the rural traditions of Jalisco, such as mariachi and a strong sense of catholisism Cultural tourism is one of the most important economic activities, especially in the historic center. Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes and a thriving art scene.