Ignacio L. Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta Main Square
About the sculpture
The statue of Ignacio L. Vallarta is very well located on the main plaza of the city, right by the central kiosk. It is one of the oldest statues in town and was sculpted by a very famous and acclaimed artist from Guadalajara.
Las Peñas, which at the time had no more than 2000 inhabitants, changed from Commissariat to Municipality on May 31st, 1918, at the same time the town’s name changed, by the State Congress, from Las Peñas to Puerto Vallarta, in honor of Ignacio Luis Vallarta, a Mexican lawyer and governor of the state of Jalisco from 1872 to 1876.
Statue of Ignacio Luis Vallarta
The sculpture was donated by another Governor of Jalisco, Juan Gil Preciado.
The sculpture was originally placed in Aquiles Serdán Park, where it was inaugurated in 1964 by the Municipal President Carlos Arreola Lima.
It currently stands on the main plaza in front of the kiosk and by the Town Hall.
Miguel Miramontes Carmona
Miguel Miramontes Carmona (1918-2015)
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on May 8, 1918.
In 1934 he began as an apprentice-santero in Agustín Espinosa’s religious imagery workshop, and by 1937 he began as a sculptor in Fidel Galindo’s religious imagery workshop.
In 1944 he entered the silver workshop of Aurelio Martínez Sandoval.
In 1947 he enrolled in the National School of Plastic Arts –or Academy of San Carlos–, of the UNAM.
In 1950 he was assistant to the sculptor Juan Olaguíbel, and modelled most of the sculptures of his master at that time.
In 1951 he decorated the Bar Azteca in Mexico City with sixteen painted high-relief murals.
In 1952 he concluded his studies as a sculptor and became the first person from Jalisco to have academic training in sculpture. He then won a contest, for which he was able to enter the Plastic Integration Workshop, directed by the painter José Chávez Morado.
In the same year of 1952, invited by the teacher Jorge Martínez, he returned to his hometown and was appointed professor at the School of Letters and Arts of the University of Guadalajara.
In 1953, the governor of the state of Jalisco, Agustín Yáñez, commissioned him to found the Sculpture Workshop at the School of Plastic Arts at the same University.
For 30 years he was a university professor until in 1983 he received his retirement.
Throughout his career, he designed and made more than four hundred sculptures.
- Among his many awards
- Jalisco Award in the branch of sculpture 1955
- 1st prize in the sculpture contest of the government of the state of Jalisco 1958
- Badge Jose Clemente Orozco 1959
- Distinguished son of Guadalajara, by the City Council, 1964
- Centenary Medal of the muralist José Clemente Orozco, 1983.
On October 14, 2015, he died in Guadalajara and was buried in the Recinto de la Paz cemetery, after receiving posthumous homage at the Espacio Azul Gallery of the National Institute of Fine Arts.
Author: M. A. Gallardo
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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