Alhóndiga de Granaditas

Alhóndiga de Granaditas is a massive stone building from the colonial period with a central courtyard in Guanajuato City. Tuscan columns support the upper floors, while two symmetric staircases connect the levels.

The warehouse was built from 1798 under Intendant Juan Antonio de Riaño and originally served to store grain and goods. During the independence war in 1810, it became a fortress before revolutionary troops captured it.

The name comes from the Arabic term for grain warehouse and recalls Moorish trading traditions in Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors today see frescoes by painter José Chávez Morado inside the courtyard, depicting scenes from the independence movement.

The museum sits on Mendizabal Street 6 in the city center and opens Tuesday through Saturday. Discounts apply for students and senior visitors upon showing identification.

Iron cages once hung on the four corners of the building displaying the heads of four independence leaders. They remained there for ten years to discourage further uprisings.

Location: Guanajuato City

Inception: 1958

Founders: Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca, 1st Marquis of Branciforte

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Address: 28 de Septiembre, esquina con Mendizábal, Col. Centro, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México

Website: https://sic.cultura.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=museo&table_id=1004

GPS coordinates: 21.01889,-101.25806

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:26