Plaza Fundadores (Founders Square), Guadalajara

Plaza Fundadores (Founders Square), Guadalajara

Founders Square is an urban square in the cultural center of Guadalajara. It is directly behind Degollado Theatre. It is often used to host citywide events such as the February 14 anniversary celebration. Guadalajara was founded on 14 February 1542 by Cristóbal de Oñate, a Basque conquistador, as the capital of the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia, part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

There are a number of public artworks in Founders Square. The Frieze of the Founders of Guadalajara (Friso de los Fundadores de Guadalajara) is a sculptural fountain of the founders of Guadalajara. The bronze sculpture depicts Cristobal de Onate, Beatriz Hernandez and 13 families from Spain who colonized the Atemajac Valley.

The square also includes a statue of Francisco Tenamaztle and bronze sculptures of Hernandez and Miguel de Ibarra, the first mayor of the city. The buildings that surround the square include the Degollado Theatre and the tourism office of the city. The University Center of Art Architecture and Design, the Garden of San Agustin and the Temple of Saint Mary of Grace (Templo de Santa Maria de Gracia) are all nearby.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Guadalajara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Plaza Fundadores (Founders Square) on Map

Sight Name: Plaza Fundadores (Founders Square)
Sight Location: Guadalajara, Mexico (See walking tours in Guadalajara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Guadalajara, Mexico

Create Your Own Walk in Guadalajara

Create Your Own Walk in Guadalajara

Creating your own self-guided walk in Guadalajara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Guadalajara Historical Churches Walking Tour

Guadalajara Historical Churches Walking Tour

Guadalajara is home to a great number of wonderful religious buildings, dating back to colonial era. Many of them are unique architectural treasures of the city and are impressive for their beautiful façades, niches, figures, elegant arches, and striking interiors. Follow this self-guided walking tour to visit the most important historical religious buildings in Guadalajara.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Squares of Guadalajara

Squares of Guadalajara

The historic center of Guadalajara is the oldest part of the city, a place where it was founded. The abundance of handsome colonial landmarks here – old buildings, public parks and squares (plazas) – makes the area truly magnificent. The plazas – popular gathering spots filled with fountains, statues, benches and food stalls – are particularly great for having a break, watching people and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Historical Center Walk

Historical Center Walk

Guadalajara is a modern, bustling metropolis with a long history. It was founded in 1542 as part of New Spain. The town was named after Spanish conquistador Nuno de Guzman’s hometown in Spain.

The city became Mexican state Jalisco’s largest city and its capital. The town boomed during the 17th century, and it became the nation's second-largest city during the 18th century. Miguel...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles