Casa Rayón

Where you are at home. . . . . Donde estás en casa. . . . . . . Où vous êtes chez vous. . . . .

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Location

Casa Rayón is conveniently located in the desirable Colonia Americana Neighborhood of Guadalajara, less than one block from Parque Revolución where the two subway lines meet, various bus lines connect, and you will always find a taxi. 

 

Three blocks to the Templo Expiatorio, Gothic church and the Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano where Spanish English and ESL teacher training is given. 

Sunday evenings you can sample a variety of Mexican food being sold right on the plaza. 

 

We are also within walking distance to other schools like IMAC and ITTO (International Teacher Training Organization).     Easy walking access to historical downtown attractions, museums, clubs, restaurants, shopping, banks, language schools and grocery store.

 

Map (Blue Marker is Casa Rayón)

 

 

Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, a shopper's paradise

A short taxi ride from Guadalajara you will find these artisan centric towns that are a shopping haven.  Both towns are well known for hand crafted arts, pottery, carved wood furniture, colorful ceramics, hand-stitched clothing and glass.

 

 

The Tlaquepaque downtown area has a pleasant square and many pedestrian-only streets as well as plaza-based shopping with an assortment of cathedrals, and galleries within the same area.

 

The renovated colonial mansions along the pedestrian streets date back more than a century, and offer high-end wares to Mexico's most affluent citizens, visitors, and tourists. 

 

 

 

But if you’re looking for a bargain it is worth leaving the tranquil elegance of Tlaquepaque for the lively chaos of nearby Tonalá.

 

 

Thursdays and Sundays are market days when streets are asphyxiated with stands selling everything conceivable, but if you have the time and the patience good deals abound on all kinds of interesting items.

 Historical Downtown

Guadalajara, founded in 1531, has a rich variety of architectural styles, ranging from the baroque to the modern. The city's colonial architecture is a product of French and Spanish trends that were current in Europe at the time of Guadalajara's initial settlement. The historic downtown district contains several examples of neoclassical architecture such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Degollado Theater and surrounding buildings, as well as the large residential houses of the Chapultepec area (many of which have since been converted to boutiques or restaurants).

 

The Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and largest hospital complexes in Spanish America.  The complex was founded in 1791 by the Bishop of Guadalajara in order to combine the functions of a workhouse, hospital, orphanage, and almshouse. Today the gigantic building has 23 court yards, 106 rooms, 72 corridors and two chapels with a total area of 252,393 ft2.  The highlight of the interior decoration is a series of monumental frescoes by José Clemente Orozco, including one of his most famed creations, the allegory of The Man of Fire (1936-39).  In addition important art, painting, sculpture, and photography are held here. Furthermore art classes are given to the general public.

 

The Cathedral on Av. Alcalde between Av. Hidalgo and Calle Morelos was begun in 1561 and took about 30 years to complete. The Cathedral is easily identified by its twin spires. The spires were actually destroyed in an earthquake (1818) and replaced in 1854 with the spires you see today.  The remarkable 10 silver & gold altars were gifts from King Fernando VII of Spain to thank Guadalajara for its support in the Napoleonic War.

 

The Palacio de Gobierno built in 1650 it has a military-style facade with balconies, crowned by a clock with a bullet hole from a shot fired by Francisco "Pancho" Villa.   The Palacio has witnessed extremely important events in Mexican history, such as the promulgation of the decree of father Miguel Hidalgo abolishing slavery in 1810, as well as the failed assassination attempt against the president of the republic, Benito Juárez, which took place in 1858.  Juárez, a Zapotec Amerindian, is often regarded as Mexico's greatest and most beloved leader for resisting the French occupation, overthrowing the Empire, and restoring the Republic.  His portrait adorns the 20 peso bill.   Amazing murals by José Clemente Orozco are in the stairwell off the main courtyard.