Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato, is known as the cradle of Mexican independence. Before dawn on September 16, 1810, the parish priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell here and called on his congregation to rise against Spanish rule, an event commemorated each year as the Grito de Dolores. The town has since grown into a modest commercial center known for its ceramics.
The Plaza Principal, shaded by trees, faces the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the church where Hidalgo issued his call. Ice cream vendors around the plaza are famous for unusual flavors. The Museo de la Independencia Nacional traces the independence movement, and the Museo Casa de Hidalgo preserves the priest's former home. The Casa de Visitas, on the square, has hosted presidents during anniversary ceremonies. Dolores is also the birthplace of José Alfredo Jiménez, one of Mexico's most beloved ranchera songwriters; his Casa Museo and his colorful tomb, shaped like a sombrero and serape, draw fans. Ceramics shops and workshops sell Talavera-style pottery, and the Monumento a los Insurgentes honors the independence leaders.
Dolores Hidalgo suits history buffs and music fans, and pairs well with San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City. Wineries near Dolores Hidalgo have also become part of regional itineraries.
WiserMap travel guideDolores Hidalgo Mexico Cradle of Mexican IndependenceVisit Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of Mexican Independence, for the Plaza Principal, Hidalgo museums, José Alfredo Jiménez sites, ceramics and local wine.Read the guide
The tree-shaded main square of Dolores Hidalgo, the Cradle of National Independence, has a statue of Miguel Hidalgo, benches and ice cream stalls. The historic church and government buildings surround it. It is lively on weekends and especially around the 15 and 16 September celebrations.
From the atrium of this 18th-century baroque church, priest Miguel Hidalgo made the Grito de Dolores in 1810, the call that began the Mexican War of Independence. The pink stone facade and gilded altarpieces are impressive. Visit quietly outside the main Mass times.
This 18th-century mansion on the main square was built to host visiting officials, and Mexican presidents traditionally stay here when they come to give the Independence cry. Its arcaded facade is a classic sight. Access to the interior is limited, so it is mostly seen from the plaza.
In the municipal cemetery, the tomb of the great ranchera songwriter is shaped like a huge colourful sarape and charro hat, decorated with titles of his songs. Fans leave flowers and play his music here. It is a short taxi ride from the centre, and is busiest around his anniversary in November.
Housed in a former jail near the plaza, this museum tells the story of the independence movement, from colonial life to the uprising of 1810, with murals, documents and models. It is a good place to understand why the town matters so much to Mexico. A visit takes about an hour.
The house where Miguel Hidalgo lived as parish priest is now a museum with period furniture, personal items, documents and portraits from the independence era. Rooms are arranged around a courtyard. It is close to the church and plaza, so it is easy to combine with other sights.
The birthplace of José Alfredo Jiménez, author of songs such as El Rey and Si Nos Dejan, is now a museum with photographs, records, clothing and memorabilia from his life. Music plays through the rooms. It is a must for fans of ranchera music and is a few blocks from the plaza.
Dolores Hidalgo is a major centre of hand-painted talavera-style ceramics, with workshops and shops selling tiles, plates, sinks, pots and figures at good prices. Some workshops let visitors watch artisans shape and paint the pieces. Shops line the roads into town as well as the centre.
Ice cream stalls on and around the main square are famous for unusual flavours such as avocado, mole, shrimp, cheese, beer, tequila and corn. Vendors gladly give small tastes before you choose. It is a fun local tradition, and stalls are open all day, every day.
Cuna de Tierra is one of the best-known wineries in Guanajuato, set among vineyards just outside Dolores Hidalgo. Tours explain local winemaking and include tastings of its reds and whites, often with food pairings. Book tours in advance, and arrange a driver if you plan to taste.
No reviews yet. Been to Dolores Hidalgo? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Dolores Hidalgo? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Isaacvp, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Pedro Sánchez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Carlos Melgoza, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Eugenio Gonzalez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paigemorrison at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bellito25, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Bellito25, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bellito25, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NS777, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Salazar Lira Hanna Elizabeth, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Isaacvp, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Isaacvp, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Isaacvp, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
