Durango history

The city of Victoria de Durango, more commonly referred to simply as Durango, holds a rich history that began during the Age of Discovery and the exploration of the untold riches of northern Mexico. Its history officially commenced on 8 July 1563, when the Spanish conquistador of Basque origin, Francisco de Ibarra, founded a settlement here. He named it Villa de Durango in honour of the city in the Spanish province of Biscay, from where he hailed. The settlement was granted city status in 1621.

Durango owes its rapid development to several important factors. Firstly, its strategic location in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental made the city an ideal starting point for the further colonisation of northern lands. Secondly, Durango soon became the capital of the vast province of Nueva Vizcaya, which strengthened its administrative and military significance. Finally, the city became a key node on the famous Royal Inland Road (Camino Real de Tierra Adentro), which connected Mexico City with the northern territories, fostering the prosperity of trade.

From the very beginning, the city's economy was closely linked to the mining industry. Although initial rumours of gigantic silver deposits proved exaggerated, the region was indeed rich in mineral resources, which attracted new settlers. The establishment of a bishopric in 1620 raised Durango's cultural and religious status. It was during that era that the city's unique architectural appearance in the colonial style began to take shape, which continues to delight travellers in its historic centre today.

Key Milestones in the History of Durango

The history of Victoria de Durango is a tapestry of events reflecting the most important stages in the development of northern Mexico, from colonial times to the present day.

• 1563 — On 8 July, Spanish conquistador Francisco de Ibarra founds the settlement of Villa de Durango, which becomes the capital of the Nueva Vizcaya province.
• 1620 — The Diocese of Durango is established, significantly raising the religious and cultural status of the settlement.
• 1621 — King Philip IV of Spain grants Durango the status of a city (ciudad) and bestows a coat of arms upon it.
• 1634 — A severe fire destroys the first church, on the site of which the Cathedral would later begin construction.
• 1695 — Construction begins on the Cathedral, which today stands as one of the city's main architectural symbols.
• 1824 — Following Mexico's independence, the State of Durango is created with its capital in the city of the same name.
• 1826 — The city receives a new name, Victoria de Durango, in honour of the first President of Mexico, Guadalupe Victoria, who was native to this region.
• 1858 — Durango becomes an arena of struggle between Liberals and Conservatives during the Reform War.
• 1892 — The railway arrives in the city, providing a powerful impetus for economic development and trade.
• 1910-1917 — The state and city play an important role in the Mexican Revolution; famous revolutionary leaders such as Francisco (Pancho) Villa operate here.
• 1957 — The Juárez University of the State of Durango (UJED) is created based on the Juárez Institute, becoming the region's leading educational centre.
• 2010 — The historic centre of Durango is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the cultural route "Camino Real de Tierra Adentro" (Royal Inland Road).

The history of Durango is a journey from a strategic outpost of Spanish colonisers to an important cultural and economic centre in northern Mexico. Each stage of development has left its mark on the appearance and character of the city.

Key Milestones in the History of Durango:

• 1563 — Founding of the City. Spanish conquistador Francisco de Ibarra founded the settlement of Villa de Durango. The choice of location was not accidental: it held strategic importance for controlling the northern territories and was situated near suspected silver deposits. The city became the capital of the province of Nueva Vizcaya.
• 17th–18th Centuries — Mining Centre. Although mythical silver deposits proved to be an exaggeration, the region was rich in precious metals. Its location on the Royal Inland Road (Camino Real de Tierra Adentro) turned Durango into an important trade and logistics hub, contributing to its economic prosperity and the formation of a unique architectural appearance.
• 1892 — Arrival of the Railway. The construction of the railway line connecting Durango with other regions of the country gave a powerful boost to industrialisation. This simplified the transport of goods and raw materials, strengthening the city's economic position.
• 1950s — "Land of Cinema" (La Tierra del Cine). The picturesque landscapes of Durango attracted Hollywood directors, and the city became the unofficial capital of Westerns. More than 100 films were shot here, creating a unique cultural niche and a new source of revenue for the city.
• 20th Century — Development of Education and Industry. The founding of major educational institutions, such as the Durango Institute of Technology, contributed to the training of qualified personnel. In parallel, the timber and mining industries developed, which continue to play an important role in the state's economy today.
• 2010 — UNESCO Recognition. The historic centre of Durango was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro route, officially confirming its cultural and historical value.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Durango is a chronicle in stone, reflecting the city's status as a vital outpost in the north of New Spain. The historic city centre is considered one of the richest in terms of preserved monuments in northern Mexico, which led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Urban development began in the 16th century with the classic "chessboard" grid layout typical of Spanish colonies. Streets were laid out at right angles, forming blocks around the main square — the Plaza de Armas. Such a structure not only organised the space but also served defensive purposes, as well as clearly distinguishing the centres of religious and secular power.

Eras and Styles

The appearance of the city was formed over several centuries, where each historical milestone corresponded to its own dominant style:

• Colonial Era (17th–18th centuries) — Baroque. This was the city's heyday, associated with silver mining. Local "New Spanish Baroque" is characterised by the opulence of its decor and the use of local material, often of a dark shade, giving the buildings a sense of monumentality and solemnity.
• Independence Period and Porfiriato (19th – early 20th centuries) — Neoclassicism and Eclecticism. At this time, especially during the rule of Porfirio Díaz, the city strove for European modernisation. Excessive decor was replaced by strict lines, columns, and French influence, symbolising progress and order.
• 20th Century — Neo-Gothic and Modern. At the beginning of the century, buildings inspired by medieval Gothic appeared (mainly religious structures), and later — functional buildings in the Art Deco and Modernist styles, woven into the historical fabric.

Iconic Buildings that Shaped the City

The architectural portrait of Durango is impossible to imagine without its key landmarks, each of which is a benchmark of its style:

• The Cathedral (Catedral Basílica Menor). The city's main dominant feature. Its construction took a long time, so its appearance combines elements of early Baroque in the portals and more restrained features of Neoclassicism in the interiors and altars.
• Palace of the Count of the Valley of Súchil (Palacio del Conde del Valle de Súchil). The most striking example of civil Baroque architecture in northern Mexico. The building stands out for its exquisite stone carving, an inner courtyard with arches, and a luxurious façade demonstrating the wealth of the colonial aristocracy.
• Ricardo Castro Theatre. A majestic building in the Neoclassical style with elements of French eclecticism. Its façade is adorned with intricate stone carving, making it one of the most beautiful theatres in the country.
• Palacio de Zambrano. Now housing the Francisco Villa Museum. This is a massive building in the Baroque style with numerous windows and an extensive façade, which initially served as the residence of a wealthy mining industrialist and later became the government palace.
• Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Templo del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús). A vivid example of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style, standing out against the colonial background with its lancet windows and towering spires.

The city of Durango and the state of the same name have gifted Mexico and the world many talented and influential people who have left their mark on politics, art, and culture. Here are just a few of them:

Francisco de Ibarra (c. 1539–1575)

• Role: Conquistador, explorer, and founder of the city.
• Significance: A Spanish explorer of Basque origin who founded the city of Villa de Durango on 8 July 1563. He became the first governor of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, of which Durango was the centre. His expeditions initiated the development of the vast northern territories of modern Mexico.

Guadalupe Victoria (1786–1843)

• Role: Military and political leader, first President of Mexico.
• Significance: A native of the state of Durango (then Nueva Vizcaya), he was one of the key leaders in the Mexican War of Independence. In 1824, he became the first president of the Mexican Republic and the only one to serve a full term in the first 30 years of the country's independence. His name is immortalised in the official name of the city — Victoria de Durango.

Francisco (Pancho) Villa (1878–1923)

• Role: Revolutionary, general.
• Significance: One of the key leaders of the Mexican Revolution and commander of the legendary Division of the North. Although born in another town in the state of Durango, his name is inextricably linked to the entire region. Villa became a symbol of the struggle for peasant rights and one of the most famous and controversial heroes of Mexican history.

Ricardo Castro (1864–1907)

• Role: Composer and pianist.
• Significance: An outstanding musician born in Durango, considered the last great romantic of the Porfirio Díaz era. His international career included tours in the USA and Europe. Castro made a huge contribution to the development of Mexican classical music, and the city's main theatre — the Ricardo Castro Theatre — is named after him.

Dolores del Río (1904–1983)

• Role: Actress, dancer, singer.
• Significance: Born into an aristocratic family in Durango, she became the first Latin American actress to achieve superstar status in Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. After a successful career in the USA, she returned to Mexico and became one of the central figures of the "Golden Age of Mexican Cinema". Dolores del Río is recognised as one of the most beautiful and influential actresses of her time.