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All 29 Guanajuato Attractions »

Templo La Valenciana

Guanajuato, Mexico
Ranked #5 of 26 attractions in Guanajuato
4.5 of 5 stars 32 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites
Description: This lavish 18th-century church was built by a silver baron from the nearby Valenciana mine.
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32 reviews from our community

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Mexico
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Built by the miners during Guanajuato's silver boom. The gold-painted altar makes a dazzling backdrop for the distinguished musicians who play at the International Cervantino Festival. More

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See 6 more reviews by raquelita for Guanajuato
Guanajuato, Mexico
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

This has to be one of the nicest old churches in one of the best settings in all of Guanajuato. The view of Guanajuato from the exterior patio in front of the church is really excellent. The baroque detailing on the outside of the church is very special and the interior decor with four large oil paintings and the gold... More

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See 17 more reviews by Nan N for Guanajuato
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2012

It is about ten mins out of town, I would take the drive up to see it. There are many small attractions to see in the area for tourist. More

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See 6 more reviews by Dougzihua for Guanajuato
Glendale, California
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012

A little awkward to visit - I walked and a portion of the way is along the highway to Dolore Hidalgo - for most I recommend cab or bus despite the great views along the way. The church sites at a commanding location in the hills north-east of Guanajuato. Fantastic, nicely restored retablos (3) and a fine sandstone entry. In... More

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See 13 more reviews by JACoombs for Guanajuato
Portland, Oregon
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012

This church is totally dipped in gold that came from the mines. The history of this luxury juxtaposed against the suffering of the enslaved minors is somewhat disturbing, but offers a clear picture of the vast differences in class for the natives of this region. More

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See 13 more reviews by andrine23 for Guanajuato
Idyllwild, California
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 March 2012

17th century mining town this wonderful church sought to show the world the richness of the mines which exploited the people of the region. More

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See 17 more reviews by IDYFRANK for Guanajuato
Harlingen
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

This is the place for a magical wedding, golden altars, lush garden, and a beautiful overview of the area....love this place! More

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See 11 more reviews by Abelglz713 for Guanajuato
Whitehorse, Canada
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 January 2012

We got married here in 2010 and it was truly magical. The cathedral is stunning and well worth the 30 peso cab ride. Check out the nearby Bocamina San Ramon after! I also hear there's a great mescal bar near the church though I haven't been More

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See 11 more reviews by jglyka for Guanajuato
Half Moon Bay, California
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 August 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This is a very interesting church, well worth the trip to see it. Unlike many of the colorful and picturesque churches closer to the center of town, this church is decorated with tons of filigree and gold. It's very beautiful and its story is quite interesting. The church is located in an area of town with many interesting shops and... More

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See 4 more reviews by crosswycke for Guanajuato
Guanajuato, GTO., Mexico
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2011

This church is great!! Made of carved cantera and wood. Over some of the wood, there is hammered gold. The carving never stops. The rich guy, Tony, the guy that struck it rich in his Valeniana Mine, Bocamina San Cayetano had this church built. More

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See 20 more reviews by Rickzuniga for Guanajuato

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