Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, has long been among the most important of Mexican cities economically and politically. Recently, it has come to be a favorite location for foreign vacationers and retirees.

Guadalajara celebrated its 450th anniversary in 1992. Throughout the centuries, the city has become rich in history, and to this day, many of the most historic and beautiful of Guadalajara's buildings still stand as reminders of the significance Guadalajara has had and will continue to have on Mexico.

Did you know?
Emporer Charles V, Holy Roman Emporer and ruler of much of Europe in the 16th century, gave Guadalajara its charter as "a most loyal and noble city."