A vast mansion lies abandoned on the shores of Lake Chapala. Even in ruins, it looks breathtaking. This is Hacienda La Bella Cristina, Porfirio Díaz’s former favorite vacation retreat in Jalisco. Built in 1907 with elegant French architecture, it could easily be mistaken for a scene from Pride and Prejudice. It’s located in the town of Maltaraña, in the municipality of Jamay, an hour and a half from Guadalajara. Today, it’s one of Jalisco’s most fascinating and melancholic architectural treasures, and it’s almost a miracle it’s still standing. Although completely abandoned, it can still be visited, allowing you to imagine what life was like there over 100 years ago.
The History of Hacienda Bella Cristina
Before being known as Hacienda La Bella Cristina, the property was called Villa Cristina. It was commissioned in 1907 by the Mexican businessman Joaquín Cuesta Gallardo, a close friend of General Porfirio Díaz, who even served as godfather to his children. The name was a tribute to Gallardo’s wife. The mansion is one of the finest examples of the French-inspired style of the era, with spacious halls, elegant archways, and materials imported from Europe to emulate the stately villas of the Old World. Furthermore, it was built in a prime location: right where the Lerma River flows into Lake Chapala.
What was the old mansion that captivated Porfirio Díaz like?
The hacienda is notable for its two-story hexagonal tower and a lookout surrounded by a railing that offered panoramic views in every direction. Some accounts claim that the house had 365 openings between doors and windows, one for each day of the year, although this was never confirmed. What is certain is that it must have been an enormous and luminous residence. It is said that during his presidency, Porfirio Díaz used to spend leisure time there with his wife, captivated by the French architecture, the proximity to the lake, and the hospitality of the Cuesta Gallardo family. Very close to the mansion is also a huge warehouse, built like a fortress to protect the hacienda’s produce and serve as a refuge in case of attack; even today it still retains antique agricultural machinery outside.
What Happened to Hacienda Bella Cristina and How to Visit It
After the Mexican Revolution and the land redistribution, the family abandoned the property. It is known to have been inhabited until approximately 1958, when a long process of abandonment began. Currently, the hacienda is in an advanced state of disrepair: several roofs have collapsed, and some walls have had to be shored up to prevent further collapses. The river’s moisture and vegetation have reclaimed much of the structure, so entering the interior is prohibited due to the risk of collapse. Even so, the exterior continues to attract photographers, historians, and curious visitors. Furthermore, those who manage the property organize photo shoots, events in the garden, and even breakfasts on some weekends. You can check reservations and activities on the hacienda’s official website, and although it is almost in ruins, exploring its grounds remains a way to glimpse another era.
Source: foodandtravel
