Part of what’s called the Bajío or heartland of Mexico, Guanajuato, the capital of the state by the same name, is in the high desert mountains (6,700 feet), 225 miles northwest of Mexico City.

When Mexico finally achieved independence in 1810, Guanajuato had seen its share of revolutionaries and bloodshed. Saracho walked the cobblestones, taking in their history.