The history of Dolores Hidalgo is connected with the beginnings and history of the Hacienda de la Erre, founded by the Viceroy Marqués de Montescarios for cattle raising in 1710, though in 1570 Viceroy Enríquez de Almanza had built the Congregation of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores here.


Take a look at the first City Map (Format *.pdf) of this lovely city.

The most important date in the history of this city, and of the nation itself, was the early morning of September 16th, 1810, when the priest Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave the Cry for Independence (“el grito”) that signalled the start of the revolution against Spanish domination. It is for this reason that the city holds the title of the Birthplace of National Independence by government decree.

During your visit to this beautiful colonial city, you should not fail to try the delicious “nieves”, sorbets, which you will find in the most exotic flavours, tequila, shrimp, sweet corn, avocado, chili and mantecado, among others. Dolores Hidalgo is not just the Birthplace of Independence, it is also the point of departure for those who wish to do the route of Independence.

Parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores: A beautiful structure dating from the beginning of the 18th century, with a facade of carved pink stone in the churrigueresque style. Every year the Cry for Independence is re-enacted on the porch of this church. Monument to Don Miguel Hidalgo: A bronze structure done in homage to the Father of the Country, inaugurated on 16 September, 1891. It was cast by Miguel Noreña, sculptor and master at the School of Fine Arts. Guest House: It was built in 1786. The facade has six arches over which there are balconies of carved stone. This house was acquired by the government of the state in 1940 to provide lodging for distinguished visitors. Every fifth year of government the president of the republic comes here for the re-enactment of “el grito” and is housed here during his stay.