Decorated ceiling of the Teatro Juarez in Guanajuato, Mexico

A colorful, highly-decorated ceiling is illuminated by a globe light on a tall post. The decoration is reminiscent of traditional stained-glass windows.The Teatro Juárez is a magnificent theater in downtown Guanajuato. Construction of the theater began in 1872, but it was not completed until 1903. The outside of the theater is dominated by neoclassical Doric columns, while the foyer is celebrated for its art nouveau design. The theater is named for the great nationalist president Benito Juárez who ruled from 1858-1872.Guanajuato is a large city in the central highlands of Mexico. It was an important colonial city because of the area's large silver deposits. Silver continues to be a major export, while tourism and industry round out the balance of the economy. Because it was an important colonial site, the city boasts of lavish colonial architecture and a historic city center that is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage. Guanajuato is also famous for one of the most important battles in the early push for independence. In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo led his ragtag peasant army to the rich city of Guanajuato. The undermanned Spanish garrison was routed and the surviving soldiers and many wealth citizens barricaded themselves in the granary. The insurgent army then lit the granary on fire, killing all the occupants. Ironically, the granary fire at Guanajuato may have actually slowed down the independence movement because many moderate Mexicans feared the violent insurgents more than the corrupt colonial officials.