The intersection of Calle Alonso, Avenida Juárez and Calle Juan Valle sits atop what is known as the Bridge of Our Lady of Solitude, or, in Spanish, "Nuestra Señora de la Soledad." Also known as Puente Nuevo, the bridge was built in 1820. Calle Juan Valle was laid during the 19th century to connect Calle Positos with Avenida Juárez. Juan Valle, also known as Calle Nueva, runs some 30 meters before feeding into Tunnel Santa Fe de Guanajuato, which, in turn, feeds into the neighborhoods of San Clemente , San Luisito and Cata.
We know that one of the houses on this street was the birthplace of renowned poet Juan Valle, born in 1838. Politically liberal - and, as fate would have it, also blind - Valle stirred up his share of political turmoil during the period, to such an extent that he earned the moniker of "the reform poet."
Where Calle Juan Valle hits the tunnel, it intersects with Calle Positos, which runs from Lascuráin de Retana, the name of the street that passes in front of the University of Guanajuato , to the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum. At the turn of the 17th century, this street was known as Calle Real, and other roads were reserved for mine works transportation. In 1696, when the image of the Virgin of Our Lady of Guanajuato arrived to Guanajuato, it was carried along Calle Positos on its way to the Basilica. The name, "Positos," may come from corn stores that were once here, as the story goes. Or perhaps the street is named after the well, or "pozo" of Father Busto, a neighborhood resident. What we know for sure is that Calle Positos is lined with houses in every architectural style popular since the city's founding. Especially important buildings include the Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato, and the Diego Rivera House Museum.
