The Tunnels of Guanajuato

 

Guanajuato is a beautiful city and one that I have visited often and will be returning to with my group in July.  In the 1700's, it was the largest silver producing city ever, supplying the old world 70% of its silver.  Just outside of town is the Valencia Mine which was the most productive mine of the time, supplying the world 1/5 of its silver.

There is the beautiful Teatro Juarez that was constructed in 1870 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Mexico and one that to this day still has its original furnishing.  It opened in 1903 with the opera, Aida. 

The roof is crowned with eight bronzes representing Greek Muses.

The auditorium is Arabesque in nature and is just exquisite.

But one of the most interesting and unique features of Guanajuato are the series of tunnels under the city that divert traffic around, in and away from the center of town.

These tunnels were not primary constructed for traffic, but as a diversion for the “Rio Guanajuato” (Guanajuato River) to prevent flooding to the early mining town. The diversion was required during the wet season, around August, as the river rose and causing significant flooding.

The tunnel was blasted out using dynamite, using the skills and expertise of the workers during the many years of mining operations. The river diversion has prevented flooding in Guanajuato since the construction.   With a damn created upstream, the present day water flow is much smaller and more controlled. The old river tunnels were strengthened, reinforced and converted into road tunnels!  It was in 1961 that the tunnels were first used for traffic, cars and medium size buses.  So unique for a city to use such an elaborate method to both hide and limit traffic.  There are markers in the historic center of town on some of the building's facades that indicate the height of one major flood, some measuring at least 8 feet high.

 

All of the tunnels have footpaths but I can imagine the longer enclosed tunnels can be not so comfortable with the fumes from the buses that pass through.

Stone staircases lead down from street level into the underground tunnels making maneuvering the city easier than the labyrinth of alleyways and streets above. 

 

I have personally driven thru the tunnels a few times and fortunately I have never gotten lost.  But according to local legend, La Llorona (the weeping woman) is said to wander the tunnels of Guanajuato.    Today, I am thankful for my excellent drivers who know exactly where to go! 

For more on the Teatro Jaurez, view my post dated 12/3/2010.