Guanajuato, a central Mexican state, is celebrated as the birthplace of the nation's independence. Its capital, also named Guanajuato, houses the historic Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the site of the first major battle against Spain in the 19th century. The former mining town is well-known for its steep, cobblestone streets, lined with colonial architecture and charming squares, including the picturesque Jardín de la Unión.
