The Most Beautiful Colonial Churches In Guadalajara

Religion has been important to Guadalajara for centuries. Below are the most beautiful churches to have been constructed in the city over the years.

1. La Catedral

Cathedral, Church

The Cathedral of Guadalajara is a symbol in the city. It is recognized for its two towers. It is the second oldest cathedral in Mexico, with construction beginning in 1561 during Spanish colonial times. Over the years, it’s experienced some damage to its infrastructure; a tremor in 1818 caused its original towers to fall. Inside the church, there are pieces of gold jewelry, silver, and precious woods.

2. Templo de San Agustín

Church, Monastery, School, University

This temple was first constructed in 1573 as a monastery. The simple interior design has a sober baroque façade. At the altar there are sculptures of St. Augustine and his mother, Santa Monica. What used to be the convent now functions as the School of Music of the University of Guadalajara.

3. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced

Construction of this temple began almost 100 years after Spain’s conquest of Mexico began. Inside, there are enormous paintings illustrating significant moments in the Catholic faith, like the apparitions and miracles of the Virgin Mary. The main altar houses religious sculptures depicting Virgin Mary and her child in the center. Visitors can also see paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. +52 33 3614 3412

La Merced | © Catedrales e Iglesias/Flickr

4. Templo de Nuestra Señora de Aranzazú

This temple is a treasure of Guadalajara. Its construction began in 1749 and today it contains three Baroque-style altars with ornamental gold details. It is dedicated to “Our Lady of Aránzazu,” an alternate name for the Virgin Mary.

Av 16 de Septiembre 260, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. +52 33 3614 4083

Aranzazú | © Catedrales e Iglesias/Flickr

5. Templo de Santa Maria de Gracia

Church

Once a huge convent, now the temple of Santa Maria de Gracia only consists of one church. Built in 1661, it is a favorite of locals for weddings today. It’s supported by impressive columns and thick, high walls featuring images of a variety of saints.

6. Parroquia de San Juan de Dios

This is one of the oldest Catholic chapels in the city. It dates from April 1551, when the first Bishop of Guadalajara, Pedro Gómez Maraver, built a hermitage there.

Calzada Independencia Nte. #100, San Juan de Dios, 44360 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +52 33 3617 6219

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL64dw-jb5O/?taken-at=535876952&hl=es

7. Iglesia San José De Gracia

Church, Monastery

When this beautiful church was founded, it was part of a Dominican convent. During a reformation period, the monastery was expropriated by the government. Now, it is a Catholic church visited by local parishioners.

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