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Church and mine · Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Templo y Mina de La Valenciana
Baroque church from 1788 built with silver from the neighboring mine, one of the richest in the world in the 18th century, which can be visited.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Templo y Mina de La Valenciana
La Valenciana sits atop the hill, about 5 km from downtown Guanajuato. In the 18th century, the La Valenciana mine came to produce a large share of the world's silver, and its owner, the Count of Valenciana, had the San Cayetano church built next to it, completed in 1788.
The church has a churrigueresque baroque façade in pink stone and, inside, three gilded wooden altarpieces that are among the most ornate in Mexico.
Near the church, the San Ramón and La Valenciana mine shafts offer guided tours that descend via stairs and tunnels to several dozen meters, showing how work was done in the mines.
From the churchyard you can see the city below, and there are stone and silver shops around.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the mine.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon.
How to get there
About 5 km from downtown, on the road to Dolores Hidalgo, by taxi or city bus marked Valenciana.
Tip
For the descent into the mine, wear closed-toe shoes.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Templo y Mina de La Valenciana
What is in La Valenciana?
The baroque San Cayetano church (1788) and the La Valenciana mine, with guided tours.
Can you go down into the La Valenciana mine?
Yes, there are guided tours that descend by stairs to several dozen meters.
How far is La Valenciana from downtown Guanajuato?
About 5 km, roughly 15 minutes by taxi.