and Governments from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union in 2004, the Encuentro Internacional de Promotores y Gestores Culturales in 2005, and will be the host city of the 2011 Pan American Games. It was also named the American Capital of Culture in 2005, Ciudad Educadora (Educator City) in 2006 and the first Smart City in Mexico due to its use of technology in development.
In its 2007 survey entitled "Cities of the Future", FDI magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities, and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city, behind Chicago. FDI Magazine also ranked the city as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.
Historic downtown
The historic downtown of Guadalajara is the oldest section of the city, where it was founded and where the oldest buildings are located. It centers on Paseo Morelos/Paseo Hospicio from the Plaza de Armas, where the seats of ecclesiastical and secular power are, east toward the Plaza de Mariachis and the Hospicio Cabañas. The Plaza de Armas is a rectangular plaza with gardens, ironwork benches and an ironwork kiosk which was made in Paris in the 19th century.
Within Guadalajara's historic downtown, there is a large number of beautiful Squares and Public Parks that are worth the visit. Here is a complete list: Parque Morelos, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberacion, Plaza de los Mariachis, Plaza Fundadores, Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza Tapatia, Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres, Plaza del Agave, Parque Revolucion, Jardin del Santuario.
The Metropolitan Cathedral began construction in 1558 and was consecrated in 1616. Its two towers were built in the 19th century after an earthquake destroyed the originals. They are considered one of the city's symbols. The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Moorishand Neoclassical. The interior has three naves and eleven side altars, covered by a roof
