It was the tallest building in Mexico at the time of its completion in 1758.
The interior contains works by the famous colonial painter Miguel Cabrera.
The church was built in a record time of only seven years, an unusually fast pace for the era.
The construction was financed by a single individual, José de la Borda, rather than the Spanish Crown or the Church hierarchy.
Its orientation is strictly dictated by the narrow, sloping cliffside location, ignoring the traditional ecclesiastical requirement to face east.
The facade features elaborate stonework depicting the patron saints Prisca and Sebastian.
The organ, installed in the 18th century, is one of the few surviving colonial-era instruments in the region.
Santa Prisca de Taxco is an 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque cathedral commissioned by mining magnate José de la Borda and completed in 1758. The structure is constructed from pink cantera stone and features twin towers that dominate the Taxco skyline. The interior is defined by nine gilded altarpieces carved from wood and covered in gold leaf. The central dome is intricately decorated with tiles in a Talavera-inspired design. Unlike most colonial churches oriented east-west, this building is oriented north-south due to the steep, constrained topography of the town. Its construction was funded entirely by Borda's silver mining wealth, reflecting the immense influence of the mining industry in Taxco during the 1700s. The church remains an active place of worship serving the local community.
From the balcony of a nearby cafe or the higher levels of the surrounding hilly streets to capture the dome and towers in one frame.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the heavy influx of day-trippers from Mexico City.
Look up at the ceiling and dome to observe the detailed relief work often missed by distracted tourists.
Maintain a respectful distance during active masses to avoid interrupting religious services.
Avoid visiting on weekends when the square is crowded and the interior is packed for local weddings or services.
Conservative dress is required; cover shoulders and knees. Keep voices at a whisper and refrain from using camera flashes inside.
