Some of Guadalajara’s most memorable public art, like its monumental Minerva Fountain and the Niños Héroes statuary, are centerpieces for its traffic circles (glorietas).
In the Colonia Chapalita, the glorieta appears as far more intimate public space at Chapalita Circle, a delightful pocket park that covers the space of a small city block.
Here seven streets intersect at the edge of a quiet and well-established residential neighborhood.
This glorieta is a verdant urban oasis of wrought iron benches painted immaculate white and nestled among fountains, beds of roses, and human scale statues.
At its center stands a classic gazebo.
Palm trees tower above, and rows of Italian cypress screen much of it from the sights and sounds of circling traffic.
In some spots only the top of the 42-story Hotel Riu, a kilometer distant, reminds that this place is not far from the heart of the city.
On a typical Saturday visitors here might include pets and their owners, couples, and parents with young children.
On Sundays, though, it’s transformed into an open-air art gallery where artists display their canvases on easels and park benches.
Theme, genre, and scale varies, although on the day of my visit there were lots of contemporary pieces.
It’s not uncommon to see some paint as they pass the time, and most are more than glad to chat with browsers about their work and their artistic journey.
This art show pairs very well with a brunch before strolling through the art, or lunch or dinner after.
The restaurants facing the glorieta are but a few of the dozens within blocks, so you can park once and take in the entire day’s experience on foot.
These eateries range from upscale to fast casual.
You can top off your meal with a cappuccino from a nearby café or pastry dessert from a neighborhood repostería.
Find out more on the Glorieta Chapalita’s web site.
For the more ambitious visitor, a Sunday at Chapalita Circle fits well into a day including a promenade on the Avenida Vallarta,or a visit to Guadalajara’s open-air antique market.
You may also want to check out also these posts for more things to see and do in Guadalajara:
Antonio Ramblés travels 