Right on Rosales Street, very close to the Cathedral of Culiacán, stands a beautiful colonial building that holds more than half a century of stories: the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa. If you walk through the Historic Center, you will very likely pass by this house full of history and stop to admire its façade. Once the former Government House, today it is a space where historic architecture and the education of new generations of lawyers coexist.
A building with history
Before becoming a law school, this house witnessed decisions that shaped the political life of Sinaloa.
On the emblematic Rosales Street, between José María Morelos and Domingo Rubí Avenues, in the heart of the Historic Center of Culiacán, you’ll find the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa, housed in an elegant colonial-style building.
For decades, this building stood right across from the former Government Palace of Sinaloa and served as the Official Residence of several governors of the state.
Among them, people remember General Gabriel Leyva Velázquez as one of the last to work in the Palace and Pablo Macías Valenzuela as the last governor to live in this house.
From Government House to house of learning
Over time, this property also housed the State Attorney General’s Office, the State Judicial Police and even a stationery and school supply shop, before becoming the home of the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa.
Driven by a group of passionate legal educators, the house ceased to be an official residence and became a school dedicated to training new generations of lawyers.
Since then, the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa has established itself as a benchmark in the education of legal professionals and in the promotion of legal culture in the state.
Colonial courtyards, mango trees and campus life
The house preserves its original charm: two large interior courtyards, generous corridors and a layout typical of Sinaloan colonial architecture. In the courtyards grow two majestic mango trees that for years have provided shade and fruit to students and professors, creating a warm atmosphere that feels very much like Sinaloa.
The rectors and directors of the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa have promoted maintenance and restoration work to give new life to the structure, always respecting its historic character.
Today, the facade and interiors look refreshed, yet they maintain the essence of the old government house.
Why visit it
If you’re exploring the Historic Center of Culiacán, the Escuela Libre de Derecho de Sinaloa is an ideal stop to enjoy and photograph its architecture, courtyards and history-filled surroundings. It is located at 266 West Rosales Street, just a few steps from the Cathedral and other points of interest in the state capital.
In addition, on Sinaloa 360 you can discover this place through a 360° Virtual Tour and an extensive image gallery, allowing you to appreciate every corner of this historic house before — or after — visiting it in person.
All of us who have had the responsibility of being Rectors, including myself (1990-1993), gradually carried out maintenance, cleaning, and remodeling work to give strength to the old structure of this beautiful building.
Lic. Raúl René Rosas Echavarría
Text: Lic. Raúl René Rosas Echavarría
Photo Gallery
How this Virtual Tour was Made
On a Friday in November, after checking in the Planner of the Photopills application at what time the blue hour would begin, we arrived at 5:45 in the morning at the building where the Free School of Law of Sinaloa is located, and at 5:55 we began to take the spherical photographs for this virtual tour.
Use our photos
Our photos have “Creative Commons“ license. This license allows you to use our photos, without needing permission, legally. When using the photos, the only requirement is that you provide credit as follows:
“Photography: Miguel Angel Victoria / Sinaloa 360”
English translation made by Aideé Pauwells Rivera, student at PrepaTec Campus Sinaloa. Tecnológico de Monterrey.
