The Guanajuato Provincial Museum is one of the largest and most interesting historical buildings in Guanajuato. Built as a funnel-treasury, this building was used by the Spaniards and their loyal allies as a fortress, and was overrun by troops led by Miguel Hidalgo in the first defeat of the colonists who had ruled Mexico for centuries. The building is now home to the Provincial Museum of Guanajuato with its displays relating to the battle as well as the execution of Hidalgo, as well as containing more colonial-era artifacts, and the museum also houses a large collection of pre-Columbian items.