Taxco de Alarcon

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Taxco de Alarcon is located 36 km (22 mi.) west of Iguala in the State of Guerrero by federal highway 95 of Mexico.

During the pre-classic period, this region was occupied by the Nahuas and the original name of the colony was "Tlachco" wich in Nahuatl means "Ball game place". It became a tax system population for the Aztecs, who every 80 days paid first need goods, as well as gold bricks and other metals. This population was approximately 12 km from where Taxco de Alarcon is now located, and it is know as The Old Taxco de Alarcon.

This region was conquered in the year 1531 by Captain Rodrigo de Castañeda and Miguel Diaz de Aux. The first silver mines were discovered in 1534 by the conquerors "Juan de la Cabra" and "Juan de Salcedo". The miner population of Tetelcingo together with the ones of Cantarranas and Tenango formed, in 1570 the "Mine Royal of Tasco", name granted by Charles the V, as one of the most important and old mine centers of the New Spain.

On July13, 1716, "Don Jose de la Borda" who was 16 years old, arrived to Veracruz, and on August 15, 1716, he lived at his brother's house "Don Francisco", where he stayed until he got married to "Doña Teresa Verdugo de Aragones". "Don Jose de la Borda" is, undoubtedly, the most famous character in the history of Taxco de Alarcon. He was know by his altruistic activities. He made important contributions such as the constuction of "Santa Prisca" parish, pride of the people form Taxco de Alarcon de Alarcon. The construction was finished on December 3, 1958. "Jose de la Borda" died in Cuernavaca on May 30, 1778.

Taxco de Alarcon is famous for its beautiful colonial   architecture and narrow cobbled streets

Among Taxco de Alarcon de Alarcon main attractions are:

• The Santa Prisca and San Sebastian Parish, The church is one of the religious constructions prototype of the Mexican baroque style. It was built in 1751 with sumptuous decorations inside. It was totally financed by Don Jose de la Borda. Because of its beauty, its exterior columns, and the amazing art inside, as well as the main altarpiece, it is without doubt, a place you must visit. We recommend you apply for a guide, so that you don't miss anything within the parish.

• Casa Borda, This house was made for Don Jose de la Borda in the year 1759. Before he lived in it, it was used by the priests of Santa Prisca convent. The outside is simple two floor building in quarry. The inside is built around a patio. Today it is used as a culture house.

• The San Bernadino Convent, The construction dates back to 1592, through the years it has suffered mutilations, and modifications. Today you can still admire its elegant and simple neoclassic style along with the steeple. At the beginning of the XIX century, at its entrance, General Agustin Iturbide, discussed the "Plan de Ayala", which would eventually bring together the royal forces with the independents of Vicente Guerrero. 

• The Chapel of Señor de Chavarrieta with its old crucifix

• The house of Figueroa, It was built in 1767. It has a variety of uses through the years. It has been used as a jail, reform school, storage plaece, house of currency. It was also used as housed soldiers and as a judges office. It is called Casa Figueroa, because it was owned by Fidel Figueroa. Originally known as Casa de las Lagrimas (house of tears) because it was built by workers who were forced to do so because they did not pay tribute. Its entrance is enhanced by a gate elaborated in with ceramic from Puebla.

• Casa Grande (Big House), In front of the San Juan Plaza is a typical colonial house construction of the XVI century. During that time it was used as a Royal house, later on it was used as a house of currency. Today the entrance is used to sell several typical and local objects. The second floor is used as a hotel and restaurant.

• The William Sptratling Museum pieces & artifacts, He is one of the most loved characters in Taxco de Alarcon, because he introduced the silver culture. He dedicated part of his life gathering a collection of archeological pieces. He died in 1967 and donated part of his collection to Taxco de Alarcon. In 1975 the National Institute of Archeology and History opened it doors to the museum. From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00.

• Santa Veracruz Temple, On November 16, 1847 it was built as a temple in honor of the Holy Christ of Veracruz. There is a beautiful figure carved in stone at its main entrance, and the building is well kept. Its image is the most venerated in Taxco de Alarcon, and it is always the first in the procession of the Christ's during Holy week.  

• Museum of Virreinal Art (The Humboldt house or House of Mirrors), Beautiful building of baroque style built in the second half of the XVII century. It was know as the "Casa Villanueva" or "the Hospital", but on April 5, 1803, it housed Alejando Von Humboldt, who determined Taxco de Alarcons altitude at 1,783 mosl. The building was restored in 1991 and turned into a museum of art. It is definitely worthwhile visiting the 14 rooms that exhibit sacred art pieces.

• Silver Museum Antonio Pineda, The silver craftsman Antonio Pineda y Gomez had the idea of creating a space to expose the awarded silver made pieces from the National Silver Fair and the ones awarded Internationally. The museum has two rooms and it is open everyday from 10:00 to 18:00.

• The house of Hangman's

• San Miguel Temple, It is on the Morelos street in the neighborhood of SanMiguel. It used to be called Tlachcotecapan. The original port still remains. Inside there are two Christ's of popular manufacture, with natural hair.

• The antique Spanish castle

• The ranch of Spratting, whose designs would bring Taxco de Alarcon silver its
  international luster

• Silver shops,

• Mask store,

• Vendors Plaza Borda,

• Cable Car or Teleferico,

• Guadalupe Church,

Nearby of Taxco de Alarcon you can visit:

• The antique Hacienda Minera of San Francisco Cuadra

• Cacahuamilpa Caverns

• Salto de Granada Waterfall 

• The Cacalotenango Waterfalls, Taking Ixcateopan highway approximately 7 kilometers, you will get to this beautiful waterfall. We recommend visiting the first fall near the highway or if you have an adventurous spirit you can go ud through a 40 minute road surrounded by beautiful pine and Encino trees to get to the second fall.

Local Festivities:

• February / Carnival

• February / Señor de Chavarrieta Fair

• Starting at Palm Sunday / Holy Week

• May / Alarconianas Journays

• September 29 / San Miguel Fair

• First Monday after Nov. 2th / Jumil Day

• Late November and early December / National Silver Fair

• December 11 and 12 / Virgen de Guadalupe

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Tourism Facilities

Hotels

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