Tlaquepaque: A Typical Art and Cultural Destination of Guadalajara
Tlaquepaque is known for its artistic quality in the production of ceramics, pottery, blown glass, wood, and wrought iron. There are more than three hundred picturesque stores that are a real pleasure for those looking for unique products at good prices.
Its name means "Place of the mud" and it is considered one of the places of greatest artistic manifestation in the whole country. Tlaquepaque is a suburb of Guadalajara but has managed to preserve the typical physiognomy and atmosphere of a colorful and cheerful small town.
Tlaquepaque is internationally known for its artistic quality in the production of ceramics, pottery, blown glass, wood, and wrought iron. There are more than three hundred picturesque stores that are a real pleasure for those looking for unique products at good prices.
You can also enjoy the local gastronomy in some of the many restaurants that line the sidewalks and of course in the traditional Parian. The City Hall offers free tours to sites of historical interest and galleries and craft centers. The tours last approximately two hours can be in English or Spanish and are conducted with groups of at least ten people. The starting point is the information module located at the intersection of Progreso and Juárez streets.
Tlaquepaque's Buildings and Tourist Attractions
El Refugio Cultural Center - Formerly a hospital, it currently functions as a cultural center. Night tours take place on Wednesdays and Fridays where the history and legends of the building are told. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm. Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.
Hidalgo Garden - Dates from 1950. With a beautiful kiosk and a fountain, it projects the friendly image of Tlaquepaque. Place where the local festivities are celebrated.
El Parián - Built-in 1878, this is the maximum expression of folklore. Its music, food, drinks, and handicrafts make it a place of international recognition. Hours: Daily from 10 am to 2 am.
House of the Artisans - Here you can find all the possible variety of Tlaquepaque's handicrafts. Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 8 pm.
Handicrafts Market - You can appreciate and acquire pieces made by the artisans of the region.
Independencia Street - It is a pleasant walkway full of art galleries, and stores offering all kinds of colorful handicrafts, old mansions, bars, and restaurants. The Regional Museum of Ceramics is also located on this street.
Churches in Tlaquepaque
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude - Built-in 1878 by the Franciscan order, in neoclassical style. In its interior, we can admire 20 pictorial works of recognized artists.
Parish of San Pedro Tlaquepaque - Built by the Franciscan order in 1670 combining several styles: Romanesque, Byzantine, Baroque, etc. Dedicated to the patron saint of this potter village and in its interior, it exhibits biblical scenes, elaborated in clay.
Tlaquepaque Museums
Pantaleon Panduro Museum of the National Prize of Ceramics - Displays the best collection of Mexican ceramics. The pieces decorated by the Presidential Award are exhibited, which at present ascends its collection to more than 500 pieces that express the most varied techniques. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Regional Museum of the Ceramics of Tlaquepaque - Located in a beautiful residence of the XVII century it exhibits the beautiful ceramics of Tlaquepaque. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
