Centro histórico de la ciudad de Durango
Centro histórico de la ciudad de Durango
The town of Durango was founded on July 8, 1563, by the Basque captain Francisco de Ibarra. It became an important administrative center and the seat of government for the Kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya and the bishopric during the colonial period.
Its layout followed the planning of other viceregal cities, being octagonal or in a checkerboard pattern, and adhered to the alignment of irrigation channels that supplied water to both the Spanish settlement and the Mexican Indian and Tonalteco village of San Juan Bautista de Analco.
After the discovery of the mines in Parral in 1631, Durango was granted city status. A College-Seminary and a Royal Treasury were established where the silver produced by the mines in this region was taxed. This, combined with intensive agricultural activity, contributed to a period of great prosperity for the city, which had a significant impact on its architectural production. Notably, Jesuit educational centers housed important cultural objects such as books, paintings, sculptures, and more. This not only influenced the formation of the identity of northern New Spain but also made Durango a prominent settlement along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
During the second half of the 18th century, the residents of the city built luxurious residences, among which stands out that of José del Campo, a miner from Avino, who was granted the title of Count of Valle de Súchil. During those years, within the jurisdiction of Durango, there were ten haciendas, thirty-seven ranches, two congregations, and three indigenous villages. One of these haciendas was San Diego de Navacoyán, notable for its dam that irrigated numerous lands.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was the most important religious building in Durango and in the northern part of the country, serving as a model for the construction of other churches in the diocese. Among the most significant artistic objects inside is the choir stalls, one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the country. The sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, crafted around 1783 in the city of Nueva Guatemala by master Juan de España, is also notable. Additionally, there is a series depicting the life of Christ signed by the prominent New Spanish painter Juan Correa in 1686, located in the sacristy.
Other viceregal temples that are preserved in Durango include the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, built in 1724 on a hill to the west of the city; the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, constructed north of the city between 1657 and 1713; the Hospital of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the Church of San Juan de Dios, managed by the Juaninos religious order.
Unlike other places, Durango's economy remained stable during the challenging period after Independence. This was largely due to the arrival of the railway in 1892, which transformed the region into an exporter of raw materials, particularly iron and wood, to the country's main industrial centers, in addition to its role as an administrative center.
Catedral Basílica Menor de la Purísima
In the place where the Durango Cathedral now stands, there was a parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin in the early 17th century, which had suffered a collapse in 1620. The construction of the cathedral underwent several phases that were interrupted due to economic issues or changes in the structural and stylistic conception of the building.
Catedral Basílica Menor de la Purísima
In the place where the Durango Cathedral now stands, there was a parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin in the early 17th century, which had suffered a collapse in 1620. The construction of the cathedral underwent several phases that were interrupted due to economic issues or changes in the structural and stylistic conception of the building.
Centro Cultural y de Convenciones Bicentenario
It was initially built as a hospital, with construction starting in 1899. However, due to capital shortages, the project was suspended for many years. In 1912, a woman established a home called "Asilo Juan Manuel Flores" (Juan Manuel Flores Asylum). Eventually, this building was adapted to house the School for the Children of the Army.
Centro Cultural y de Convenciones Bicentenario
It was initially built as a hospital, with construction starting in 1899. However, due to capital shortages, the project was suspended for many years. In 1912, a woman established a home called "Asilo Juan Manuel Flores" (Juan Manuel Flores Asylum). Eventually, this building was adapted to house the School for the Children of the Army.
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
José Ignacio Cásares began the construction of this building on April 12, 1891. The work was overseen by the master builder Tomás García, following the design by engineer Francisco Rodríguez.
Casa del Arcediano
An 18th-century building with a facade of carved quarry stone and adobe walls. It is two stories high and is organized around a central courtyard with arcades on all four sides of the structures. Most of the original construction has been modified to convert it into commercial spaces.
Casa del Arcediano
Museo Francisco Villa
An 18th-century building, constructed on the orders of Juan Joseph Zambrano, a wealthy miner and merchant who served as a councilor, royal ensign, and ordinary mayor of Durango. He inhabited the building from 1800 until his death in 1817.
Parroquia de Santa Ana
An 18th-century religious building, constructed thanks to a devout matron who inherited from her parents and dedicated it to the foundation of a Capuchin convent. It was completed in the early 19th century.
Colegio Jesuita
An 18th-century building constructed with adobe, originally a Jesuit school and currently serving as the Juárez Institute of the State of Durango.
Casa del Conde del Valle de Suchil
An 18th-century building constructed by Governor José Carlos Agüero for his residence; he later sold it to José del Campo Soberón y Larrea, Count of Guatipé and Valle de Suchil. It has since been occupied by commercial establishments.
Teatro Victoria
Mayor Juan Joseph de Zambrano ordered the construction of a theater adjacent to his house. Initially named "El Coliseo," it was inaugurated on February 4, 1800. Built with solid stone, it featured 26 boxes and arches along the sides.
Casa de Gobierno
Ordered to be built in 1787 by Joaquín Alcalde y Amatraín, a miner and merchant from Nueva Vizcaya, to establish a shop and a residence for his stay in Durango. Because of this, it has few rooms, and the front area is designated for a store and warehouse.
Casas reales del pueblo de Analco
An 18th-century building that includes an adobe barrel-vaulted church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
Santa Juanita de Los Lagos
A small Jesuit temple, construction of which began in 1597, was destroyed by rain in 1647. In its place, a new one was erected but was demolished in the late 18th century with plans to build a larger one, which could not be completed due to the expulsion of the Jesuits.
