Colima history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Colima begins long before the arrival of Europeans, when these lands were inhabited by indigenous peoples. The Spanish settlement was officially founded on July 25, 1523, by the conquistador Gonzalo de Sandoval under the orders of Hernán Cortés. Initially, the city was named Villa de San Sebastián and was located in a place called Caxitlán. However, as early as 1527, the settlement was moved to its current location in the Colima River valley, where climatic conditions were more favourable for habitation.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important administrative centre was driven by a number of reasons:

• Geography: The city is situated in a fertile valley at the foot of two majestic volcanoes — the Nevado de Colima and the active Volcán de Fuego, which provided rich soils for agriculture.
• Political Power: Colima became one of the first provinces of New Spain on the west coast, serving as a strategic outpost for controlling the region and a base for expeditions to the north.
• Trade Routes: Proximity to the Pacific Ocean allowed for connections with maritime routes, which was critically important during the colonial era.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's name comes from the Nahuatl word Coliman, which is often translated as "the place where the old god rules" or "place in the ancestor's hand". The region's early economy was based on unique local resources:

• Agriculture: The cultivation of cocoa, cotton, and various tropical fruits became the foundation of local trade.
• Salt Production: The coastal zones of the province were renowned for the extraction of high-quality salt, which was highly valued and exported to other regions.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1523: Spanish conquistador Gonzalo de Sandoval founds the settlement of Villa de San Sebastián, the predecessor to the modern city.
• 1527: The city is relocated to its current position in the Colima River valley due to a more favourable climate.
• 1792: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the future leader of the Mexican War of Independence, arrives to serve as a priest in the parish of San Felipe.
• 1824: In the first Constitution of Mexico, Colima receives the status of a federal territory.
• 1857: Colima is officially proclaimed a Free and Sovereign State within the Mexican federation.
• 1889: Construction of the railway connecting the city with the port of Manzanillo and Guadalajara is completed, giving a powerful boost to the economy.
• 1940: The University of Colima is founded, becoming the region's main educational and cultural institution.
• 1941: A destructive earthquake damages many buildings, leading to a partial reconstruction of the city in a modern style.
• 1988: By federal decree, the historic city centre is declared a Zone of Historic Monuments.
• 2003: A powerful earthquake damages colonial architecture, after which a large-scale restoration programme begins.
• 2014: Colima receives the honorary status of Cultural Capital of the Americas, drawing attention to its rich heritage.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of Colima is the story of a colonial settlement transforming into a modern administrative and educational hub. Here are the key moments that defined the city's current appearance and status:

• Achieving State Capital Status (1857)

  The proclamation of Colima as a free and sovereign state solidified the city's role as an administrative core. This stimulated the construction of government buildings, the development of urban infrastructure, and an influx of population employed in administration and the service sector.

• Launch of the Railway to Manzanillo (1889)

  The opening of the railway connection to the main Pacific port became a powerful economic driver. This allowed for the mass export of local agricultural produce (salt, lemons, coconuts) and turned the city into a vital logistics node in western Mexico.

• Foundation of the University of Colima (1940)

  The creation of the university radically changed the cultural landscape. The city ceased to be exclusively an agrarian and trading centre, becoming a point of attraction for students and intellectuals. The university spurred the development of arts, science, and museums in the region.

• Urban Modernisation After 1941

  A destructive earthquake was a turning point in architecture. The need for rebuilding led to a shift away from traditional, yet unsafe, adobe structures in favour of modern materials. The city gained wider streets and buildings in Functionalist and Art Deco styles.

• Designation as a Zone of Historic Monuments (1988)

  The federal decree protecting the city centre halted chaotic development. This decision allowed for the preservation of the unique colonial atmosphere, stimulated the restoration of old mansions, and laid the foundation for the development of cultural tourism.

• International Recognition (2014)

  The selection of Colima as the "Cultural Capital of the Americas" attracted international attention and investment in event tourism. This event cemented the city's image as a safe destination rich in traditions, capable of hosting world-class festivals.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Colima is the result of a unique dialogue between colonial traditions and the necessity of adapting to natural conditions. Due to the region's high seismic activity, the city has been rebuilt multiple times, leading to the formation of a distinct look: there are few tall ancient buildings, but many cosy single and double-storey mansions with internal courtyards, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and harmony.

Urban Structure

At the heart of the city plan lies the classic Spanish colonial grid (chessboard layout), established back in the 16th century. The centre of the urban composition is the main square — Jardín Libertad. Streets radiate strictly perpendicularly from it, ensuring good ventilation in the hot climate. This structure has been preserved to this day, making navigation through the historic centre intuitively easy.

Main Architectural Styles

Walking through the streets of Colima, one can trace the changing historical eras through architectural styles:

• Colonial Style (16th–18th centuries): Although few original buildings from the first centuries remain, the general style of residential development — white walls, red roof tiles, and wide eaves — continues the traditions of the early period.
• Neoclassicism (19th century): The golden age of Colima's architecture. During the Porfiriato period, the city was adorned with monumental buildings featuring columns, strict symmetry, and European polish. This is the dominant style of the administrative centre.
• Neo-Gothic (Late 19th century): A rare and expressive style for the region, manifested in iconic cultural objects, adding a romantic touch to the city.
• Art Deco and Functionalism (Mid-20th century): After the 1941 earthquake, the city's restoration proceeded using concrete and new forms. Buildings with geometric decor and rounded corners, characteristic of Mexican modernism, appeared.

Iconic Buildings that Shaped the City

Several architectural landmarks serve as Colima's calling cards:

• The Cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor): A majestic example of Neoclassicism. Its current façade, completed in the late 19th century, is distinguished by restraint and harmony, while its two towers serve as the main landmarks of the centre.
• Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno): A two-storey building with an elegant internal courtyard and arcades. The main façade is adorned with a clock brought from Germany, highlighting the building's importance in the civic life of the city.
• Teatro Hidalgo: A unique architectural monument. Externally, the building is executed in the Neo-Gothic style, giving it the appearance of a medieval castle, whereas the interiors retain classic theatrical luxury.

Distinguished Personalities of Colima

The city and state of Colima have gifted Mexico with many talented individuals whose achievements have reached far beyond the region. Presidents, innovative artists, and pioneers of social change were born and worked here.

• Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado (1934–2012)
  Role: 52nd President of Mexico (1982–1988)
  A native of Colima city. He went down in history as the leader who initiated large-scale economic reforms and opened Mexico to world markets. He had to lead the country during one of its most difficult periods, including managing the aftermath of the devastating 1985 earthquake in Mexico City.
• Griselda Álvarez Ponce de León (1913–2009)
  Role: Politician, writer, educator
  an iconic figure for the entire country: in 1979, she became the first female governor in the history of Mexico, leading the state of Colima. Beyond her political career, she was a renowned poet and actively promoted educational and cultural programmes in the region.
• Gregorio Torres Quintero (1866–1934)
  Role: Educator, historian, and writer
  Creator of the famous "onomatopoeic method" for teaching reading and writing, which was used in Mexican schools for decades. As a historian, he wrote fundamental works on the history of Colima, preserving legends and facts about the city's past for future generations.
• Alfonso Michel (1897–1957)
  Role: Painter
  One of the most significant Mexican painters of the 20th century. Unlike the muralists popular in his time, Michel focused on easel painting, bringing the influence of European modernism and Neo-Baroque into Mexican art. He is often called the "spiritual aristocrat" of Mexican painting.
• Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo (1923–2000)
  Role: Artist, designer, and illustrator
  Creator of the unique "Rangeliano" style, combining Mexican traditions with modern design. He gained worldwide fame thanks to a series of Christmas cards for UNICEF, which sold in the millions. He founded a school of crafts that revived local artistic trades.
• Balbino Dávalos (1866–1951)
  Role: Poet, diplomat, and academic
  An outstanding intellectual of his time who served as Rector of the National University (now UNAM). As a diplomat, he represented Mexico in Europe and the USA, and as a poet, he made a significant contribution to the development of literary modernism.
• Silverio Palacios (born 1967)
  Role: Theatre and film actor
  A contemporary representative of Colima's culture. Known for his roles in Mexican and international cinema (for example, in the films "Y tu mamá también" and "The Legend of Zorro"). He actively supports the development of theatrical arts in his hometown.