Corredor Constitución

In the heart of the historic center of Durango lies the picturesque Constitution Corridor (Corredor Constitución)—the city's main pedestrian artery, where history meets modernity. This inviting zone, located in Mexico, is a favorite leisure spot for both locals and tourists wishing to enjoy the region's colonial charm.

The corridor is a completely car-free zone surrounded by magnificent stone buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Here you will find a harmonious blend of ancient architecture and well-developed tourist infrastructure: from cozy cafes and restaurants to shops selling unique artisanal crafts. The path passes by iconic sites such as the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Plaza de Armas, creating a unique ensemble of colonial heritage.

Thanks to its safety, good lighting, and welcoming atmosphere, the Constitution Corridor deservedly holds a high rating among travelers. This place perfectly captures the warmth of provincial Mexico and the spirit of the era when Durango was an important center for precious metal mining.

To find out more about events or tourist routes passing through the Constitution Corridor, you can use the official contact details of the tourism services.

A stroll along the Constitution Corridor offers a variety of leisure options for every taste. One of the main charms of this place is the opportunity for an aimless promenade among majestic colonial facades. Food lovers will find dozens of establishments here: from traditional Mexican diners to modern bars and stalls selling homemade ice cream and street snacks.

On weekends, the pedestrian zone transforms into an impromptu stage. You might witness exciting shows: breakdancers, "living statues," clowns, and street musicians all perform here. For art and history enthusiasts, an interesting activity is spotting sculptures of famous figures from the world of cinema, such as the legendary actress Dolores del Río, as well as admiring the fountains that decorate the street.

As dusk falls, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. Under the evening lights, it is especially interesting to look at the cathedral's bell tower: according to local legend, during a full moon, you can see the Nun Beatriz there. Evening is the perfect time to grab a table on a cafe terrace, listen to live music, and simply watch the unhurried life of the city go by.

Finding the Constitution Corridor is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic center, in the Zona Centro district. If you are already downtown, the best way to reach the site is a short walk from major landmarks like the Plaza de Armas or the Cathedral, which are located in the immediate vicinity of the start of the pedestrian zone.

For those traveling from further away, taking a taxi is very convenient. The ride from Durango International Airport takes about 20–30 minutes, and the journey from the bus station is even shorter and quite affordable. City buses also run regularly through the central part of the city, stopping within a few minutes' walk of the corridor's entrance.

The area is completely pedestrianized and is considered safe for tourists at all hours. If you are traveling by rental car, it is recommended to leave it in one of the paid parking lots on the neighboring streets, as vehicle traffic on Constitution Street itself is closed.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the development of Durango itself, which was founded in the 16th century and long served as the capital of the province of Nueva Vizcaya. The region saw a particular boom in the 18th century, when the discovery of rich deposits of precious metals in the Sierra Madre mountains brought immense wealth to the city. It was with these funds that the magnificent palaces and mansions of hewn stone, which frame the Constitution Corridor today, were built.

Strolling here, you will see buildings representing architectural styles from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The key site is the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Catedral Basílica Menor), which began construction in 1695. Its appearance, rebuilt in the Baroque style in the mid-19th century, remains the architectural centerpiece of the district. Constitución Street has witnessed important historical milestones, including events from the struggle for independence and the Mexican Revolution.

Many buildings surrounding the corridor have the status of historical monuments. For example, the Municipal Palace, built in 1898 in the Neoclassical style, and the Ricardo Castro Theater, opened for the centennial of the country's independence. Inside many of these structures, unique murals have been preserved, telling stories of land conquest, the pursuit of freedom, and the region's cultural heritage, turning a simple walk into a real open-air history lesson.

To leisurely stroll down the Constitution Corridor, admire the details of the historic facades, and take beautiful photos, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This time is enough to soak up the atmosphere of the center and peek into a few souvenir shops.

However, if you plan to have lunch at one of the local restaurants or visit the nearby Cathedral, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours. It is especially recommended to linger here on weekends, when street performances take place, turning a simple promenade into a full cultural event.

The Constitution Corridor is accessible for visiting at any time, as it is an open-air public space. You can come here early in the morning to admire the architecture in silence, or late at night to enjoy the city lights.

According to official data, the site is open 24 hours a day throughout the week:

• Monday — Sunday: 24/7

Please note that most shops, cafes, and museums located along the corridor have their own operating hours, typically opening around 9:00–10:00 AM and closing by 10:00–11:00 PM.

Exploring the surroundings of the Constitution Corridor allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the colonial past and the modern life of the city. Since the corridor is in the very center, the region's main cultural and religious landmarks are within walking distance.

In addition to historical buildings, you can find modern entertainment centers and aquariums nearby that will be of interest to travelers with children. Below is a list of the closest sites to include in your itinerary.