Taxco: Architecture, Silverwork, and Mountain Views

Taxco brings together historic buildings and collections with a landscape shaped by mountains. It also offers silverwork and cultural events on specific dates. If you’re looking for a focus for your trip, you can choose between architecture, museum visits, views, and local traditions—without reducing Taxco to just one of these aspects.

Architectural History and Collections

The Zona de Monumentos Históricos de Taxco de Alarcón comprises 72 blocks with buildings dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The Parroquia de Santa Prisca y San Sebastián was built in 1758 in the Baroque Churrigueresque style. The year 1759 is also part of Taxco’s architectural history: that was when Casa Borda was built as the home of Don José de la Borda. Today, it houses the Centro Cultural Casa Borda.

Visitors interested in different forms of art and history will find a range of points of interest in the museums. The Museo de Antropología Guillermo Spratling displays architectural pieces from the state of Guerrero as well as silverwork by architect Guillermo Spratling. At the Museo de Arte Virreinal Casa Humboldt, paintings, sculptures, furniture, and liturgical objects are displayed across 14 small rooms. There are also textiles embroidered with silk and gold.

Another historic stop is the Ex-convento de San Bernardino de Siena, considered one of the first monasteries in the Americas. Together with the Parroquia, Casa Borda, and the museums, it offers a varied picture: architectural history can be explored alongside collections devoted to architecture, silverwork, and religious art. The Santuario de la Santa Veracruz also points to a religious tradition dating back to the 16th century. At that time, there was a brotherhood whose patron saint was the Santo Cristo de la Veracruz; its members took part in the procession of the Christs.

Views of the City and Mountain Region

The landscape is also part of Taxco’s character. The Centro Histórico offers a distinctive view of the mountainous region. The Cristo Panorámico stands on Cerro del Atache and offers a view of the city. From the cabins of the Teleférico, you can enjoy panoramic views of Taxco and its surroundings. Each offers a different perspective: the mountainous region, the city, or Taxco and its wider surroundings. If views are important to you on your trip, you can take these experiences into account when choosing your excursions.

Silverwork and Special Dates

Silver is not found only in the collections. At the Tianguis Sabatino de Plata, silverwork is sold on various streets in Taxco; the market is near the bus station. Items on offer include earrings, chains, brooches, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. You can encounter silver both as an artistic material in exhibitions and as a craft at a market.

Several events also add seasonal highlights. The Jornadas Alarconianas feature cultural events and festivities in Taxco in May. The Feria Nacional de la Plata brings together craft and cultural events in late November and early December. During Holy Week, the Ruta de las 7 Casas is part of Taxco’s tradition: it involves visiting seven churches. On November 1, the Día del Jumil takes place in the area around Taxco, on Cerro del Huizteco. This gastronomic event features dishes made with jumil.

Which Focus Suits Your Trip?

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Taxco, your preferred focus for the trip may be the deciding factor: Do you want to center your visit on buildings and museums, are you especially interested in silverwork, or are you planning your trip around cultural events and views? Taxco offers different themes to suit these interests, without requiring you to combine them into a single itinerary. If you’d also like to explore other destination pages: San Cristóbal, El Calvario, San Marcos, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Barra De Potosí, El Coacoyul, Bajos Del Ejido and Barra Vieja.

For the broader travel overview: Guerrero.