January 2012

Throughout its 436 years of existence, the city of Leon de Aldama, Guanajuato, has hosted important festivals and cultural events that have left a festive and welcoming environment.

However, from March 23rd through the 26th, the world’s attention will be on Leon during the visit of the Catholic Church’s head, successor to John Paul II.

Cultural and religious events will be part of the schedule being prepared for this event, where faith will be the main driver.

Leon’s narrow streets, outlined by houses with wide gates, are getting ready to witness the Pope’s visit, going across the city and through some of the main streets, such as the Adolfo Lopez Mateos Boulevard, where the hotel district is located. The Pope will also travel to the city of Guanajuato, the state’s capital, and to city of Silao.

Traveling to Leon or to the state of Guanajuato during this religious event will be an opportunity to explore its beauties and attractions, mainly those where the Pope will be present:

Miraflores College: This educational institute, managed by nuns, is where the Pope will stay. It is a modern building located on Leon’s so called golden district.

The Rul Count’s home: It is currently being used as the State Capitol. It is an eye-catching building with a pink quarry, neoclassic style facade. It is located in front of the Plaza de la Paz in the city of Guanajuato. It is considered a national treasure by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. The pope will be welcomed here by state authorities on Saturday, March 24th.

Plaza de la Paz: It will be the first site where the Vatican’s Head of State will bless and salute its parishioners on March 24th. This is the site where the civil and religious authorities made their home during the period of the former Real de Minas de Santa Fe de Guanajuato. In the middle of the plaza, one can find the Paz statue, surrounded by important buildings with a colonial architecture, which are worth visiting.

Bicentenary Park: Located in the municipality of Silao, this eco-park will be the site where the most important event during the Pope’s stay will take place on Sunday, March 25th with a mass headed by the religious leader. Near this park, in the Cubilete Hill, the Jesus monument is found, very well in tune with the event; and it is a must stop for those who enjoy religious tourism.

Expiatory Temple and the Leon Cathedral: These two sites will round the religious visit to the Mexican lower lands. The Expiatory Temple offers an astonishing architectural beauty inspired on three European cathedrals. With a spectacular facade, this temple is one of the city’s main attractions. On the other hand, the Cathedral is a building with a quarry-covered facade and a sober style. On the inside, one can find a John Paul II statue and chapels in honor of the Virgin Luz, the Loreto Virgin and Saint Joseph. It is the metropolitan seat of the Leon archdiocese, a title received on November 2006 by Benedict XVI.

Sacred Art Museum: Faith’s art can be admired in this museum located next to Leon’s Metropolitan Cathedral. It possesses a collection of works that goes from metal works, textiles and sculptures to oil paintings.