UNIVERSIDAD DE GUANAJUATO

The University of Guanajuato (UG), heir to the first educational institutions developed by the Society of Jesus in the late 18th century, is housed in an imposing neoclassical building constructed in 1955. Its origins date back to 1732, when it was known as the Hospicio de la Santísima Trinidad, before being renamed the Colegio de la Santísima Trinidad in 1744. In 1821, it was transformed into the Casa de la Moneda (Mint), before becoming the National College of Guanajuato in 1867 and, finally, the University of Guanajuato in 1945. Today, this illustrious institution is home to over 40,000 students on four campuses. For a panoramic view, we recommend climbing the steps of the main building, which houses the Natural History Museum. This exhibits collections of different animal species, from invertebrates to medium-sized mammals, with over 4,000 specimens carefully displayed in five exhibition halls. The building also houses the Hospital Temple and several administrative offices, including the General Presbytery. Just a few minutes' walk away is the Museo de la Universidad de Guanajuato, which features a permanent exhibition highlighting regional history, as well as works of art, scientific objects and minerals. Among the latter is the Allende meteorite, estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.