Distinguished in the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans

Wandering around Guadalajara's Historic Centre, one of the most striking monuments you'll come across resembles something straight out of the Parthenon in Greece.

Built in 1952, this circular monument, designed in a neoclassical style with 17 Doric columns, is known as La Rotonda de los Jalisciencas Ilustres (The Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans). It was created to honour the most distinguished individuals from the state of Jalisco who have made significant contributions to Jaliscan society, including famous artists, writers, architects, scientists, teachers, and politicians.

The centre of the monument contains nearly 100 urns to house the remains of these famous and illustrious Jaliscans, although I read that many remain empty. Surrounding the monument are 22 bronze statues of the most outstanding figures from Jalisco.

Of course, one of the distinguished Jaliscans honoured with a bronze statue surrounding the rotunda is José Clemente Orozco, the renowned Mexican artist whose murals adorn the Hospicio Cabañas (see related blog) and Palacio Del Gobierno (see related blog).

Initially named the "Rotunda of Illustrious Men" as it exclusively honoured men, it was renamed in the year 2000 after a famous teacher, Irene Robledo García, became the first woman to be honoured.