Guadalajara – Palacio de Gobierno

Right next to the cathedral is the former Governor’s Palace. It’s another grand old building built in a mix of styles. From the outside, it’s a grand building, but it’s inside that the building really shines.


Getting into the building can be a bit of a drama. The building still contains government offices. Whenever there is a protest march in the city, it’s outside this building that the protestors camp. There seems to be protests on a daily basis, so this can be a bit tricky. Luckily, the building has a lot of entrances. So long as you don’t try to get in the front door, the side doors should be OK. Just smile at the guard and say “photo” a lot...

Inside, there’s some rather grand pieces of architecture. At the rear, there are some massive pillars in a circle. Above, is the old debating chamber of the government, which is round, hence the ring of pillars. Meanwhile, at the front, is a rather lovely courtyard in the Spanish or Moorish style. As you’d expect, there’s some orange trees growing there. Very peaceful.

The main attraction though, is the scary mural on the main staircase. It depicts the moral battles of the start of the twentieth century. It’s religion versus communism versus fascism. Shooting flames over the top of it all, is a portrait of Miguel Hidalgo, the leader of the independence movement. It’s a very striking mural, by the local artist Jose Clemente Orozco. Most people make a bee line to this mural, then leave, but it’s a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the quiet.


The other great feature of the building, is that it has the cleanest toilets in the entire city. Provided you can get in the door, they’re free!

The Palacio is an amazing building and definitely should be visited by anyone coming to Guadalajara.