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Santa Prisca Church

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Santa Prisca Church is the crown jewel of Taxco de Alarcón and a paramount example of New Spanish Baroque architecture. Commissioned by the silver mining magnate José de la Borda and built between 1751 and 1758, the church stands as a testament to the immense wealth extracted from the surrounding hills. It is celebrated for its exuberant Churrigueresque style, characterized by intricately carved pink stone facades and two soaring bell towers that define the city's skyline. Inside, the church is even more wide-open, featuring nine massive altarpieces (retablos) carved from wood and covered in gold leaf, which stretch from the floor to the vaulted ceiling. The interior is further adorned with masterworks by the renowned colonial painter Miguel Cabrera. For visitors, Santa Prisca has an immersive experience into the religious fervor and artistic grandeur of 18th-century Mexico, remaining the animated cultural heart of this historic silver town.

Location: Mexico
Top sights: Museo de arte virreinal · Terrace View over Taxco · Monumento al Minero
Nearby: Iguala (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	23	26	26	23	22	22	21	21	20	19
Rain mm	7	8	9	13	70	193	197	209	204	78	19	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Santa Prisca Church in Taxco is open to visitors; the opulent Baroque interior is freely accessible. The church was donated in the 18th century by a wealthy mine owner and is considered one of Mexico's finest Baroque churches.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Masses take place in the morning and evening, so access may be restricted then.

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Photography

Indoor photography without flash is usually allowed to avoid dazzling the rich gold decoration. The Baroque façade from outside is a popular photo subject, especially in the late afternoon.

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Time needed

Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes for a visit to the church. Art and architecture lovers should plan about an hour to appreciate the many details.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk through the easy on the eye cobblestone streets of Taxco. Casa Borda and the main square (Zócalo) of Taxco are just a few steps away.

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Getting there

Taxco is reachable by bus from Cuernavaca or Mexico City; the church is in the center and easily accessible on foot. Parking in the narrow old town is limited, but there is a parking garage at the Zócalo.

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Insider tip

Visit the church early in the morning to experience the glitter of the gold decorations in the sunlight. Buy silver jewelry at the nearby market as a souvenir - Taxco is world-famous for its silverware.

Geography

Coordinates

18.55640, -99.60470

Facts

Construction was completed in just seven years (1751–1758).
The towers have an impressive height of approximately 95 meters.
José de la Borda famously said: 'God gives to de la Borda, de la Borda gives to God'.
The church was designed by architects Diego Durán and Juan Caballero.
The altarpieces were created by the artist Isidoro de la Borda.
It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Churrigueresque art in Mexico.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Iguala8 km · NEExplore →

Ixtapan de la Sal10 km · SWExplore →

Cosmovitral Botanical Garden15 km · WExplore →

Bioparque Estrella27 km · WExplore →

Xochicalco35 km · NExplore →

Tula de Allende40 km · NWExplore →

Santa Fe Business District41 km · NExplore →

Cuernavaca42 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Santa Prisca Church (4)

Museo de arte virreinal 🏛 museum

Viceregal art museum in the Santa Prisca Church complex in Taxco.

Terrace View over Taxco 🌿 nature

From this viewpoint you can enjoy a panoramic view over Taxco.

Monumento al Minero 🏺 historical

Monument to the miner, located near Santa Prisca Church in Taxco.

Mirador 🌿 nature

A viewpoint in Taxco offering views of the city and its surroundings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the church open for visitors?

During the day, the church is usually accessible for visits.

Is there an entrance fee?

Entry is free, please be quiet.

What is the highlight of the church?

The impressive baroque interior and the altar.

Is photography allowed inside?

Discreetly and without flash is usually allowed.

Is the church easily accessible?

Yes, it is centrally located in Taxco.

Santa Prisca Church: where is it located?

Santa Prisca Church is located in Mexico.

Santa Prisca Church: what is there to see?

Highlights include Museo de arte virreinal, Terrace View over Taxco, Monumento al Minero.

Santa Prisca Church: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Santa Prisca Church: why is it worth visiting?

Santa Prisca Church is the crown jewel of Taxco de Alarcón and a paramount example of New Spanish Baroque architecture.

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