Hidden among the streets of Guadalajara’s Historic Center lies one of the city’s most impressive and least-known buildings. It is the Arróniz Building.
A true architectural gem over 120 years old that surprises with its beauty and history, and is a must-see stop on your tour of this neighborhood.
Located at 224 Zaragoza Street , this iconic building features a facade of red brick and quarry stone, a rare combination from the Porfirian period in Guadalajara.
Arróniz Building, a mix of styles
One of the things that makes the Arróniz Building special is its unique blend of architectural styles.
Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Baroque styles coexist in its corridors and spaces, while its central courtyard features Italian influences.
But before becoming one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, this place had a long history.
Its many facets
It first served as a convent and seminary, and was completely rebuilt in the late 19th century.
The architect responsible for this project was Guadalajara-born engineer Antonio Arróniz Topete, who designed other important buildings in the city.
For much of the 20th century, it served as a military barracks, and in 2011, the building was handed over to the Government of Jalisco; it now officially houses the Jalisco Ministry of Culture.
The building today
Currently, in addition to its administrative functions, the venue hosts exhibitions, cultural activities, and special tours.
The Jalisco Ministry of Culture organizes guided tours to discover its courtyards, hallways, and architectural details that usually go unnoticed by those walking through downtown.
It’s worth keeping an eye on their social media to find out the upcoming dates and discover from the inside one of Guadalajara’s best-kept architectural treasures.
