Location
Español Universal Spanish Language School is located in the center of the city of Guanajuato, which is the capital of the Mexican state of Guanajuato. Located in the central part of Mexico about four hours north by car from Mexico City, the city is at an elevation of 6,600 feet (2,000 meters) and enjoys a mild year-round climate. Guanajuato is a small city (population 95,000) with small town friendliness and big city culture. It is quite safe at night and you can walk almost everywhere and meet friendly people. This is a colonial city, with stone and brick buildings and cathedrals, plazas, and gardens, and narrow alleys among colorful houses with wrought-iron balconies. Several main roads run underground the city leaving many of the cobblestone streets free of traffic. The school is located within the center of the city (click on map at left) steps from theaters, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Guanajuato's climate, central location, cultural ambience, and friendly people make Español Universal a great place to experience the language, culture, and history of Mexico.
History
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish this region was inhabited by the Otomi and Nahua people, and later the nomadic Guamares. The name Guanajuato comes from the name Quarap-huata, which means 'Hilly Place of Frogs'.
In 1541 Spaniards explored this area and in 1546 Don Rodrigo de Vazquez received land in the vicinity of Guanajuato from the Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. He began looking for silver and other precious metals and in 1548 the first silver was discovered. Several mines were opened and Indian slaves worked to extract the precious metal from the earth. Some of these mines are still operating today and are open for tours. During the sixteenth century, the colonists built theatres, churches, squares, markets and side streets. Many of the monuments still exist today.
The extreme poverty of the mineworkers and field laborers under Spanish rule combined with the new liberal ideas of the rich and educated, gave the Intendancia of Guanajuato the lead on the social movement of the early 1800s. Under the leadership Father Hidalgo a mob assaulted Guanajuato in the first battle of the Independence War in September 1810. The Spaniards took refuge in a massive granary building (Alhondiga de Granaditas) then recently finished, and resisted until an obscure miner (El Pipila) set the main door on fire. His feat is remembered with a massive monument high up on a hill in the city. After eleven more years of fighting Mexico won independence from Spain on August 24, 1821.
"The classes exceeded my expectations. I'm impressed with the
dedication of the teachers and the staff. Everyone is
gracious, conscientious and considerate. When I return to
Guanajuato I plan to take more classes at Espanol Universal."
Rebecca N.
Read more student testimonies
Other:
car insurance quotes |
|
