Templo de Nuestra Señora de Tlaxcala
San Luis Potosí's oldest church, a historical gem in the original settlement, showcasing sober Baroque architecture and 17th-century art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Templo de Nuestra Señora de Tlaxcala
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Luis Potosí's oldest church, a historical gem in the original settlement, showcasing sober Baroque architecture and 17th-century art.
"An important historical site for several reasons. It is the oldest religious building in the city."
🕰️ Respectful Visits
Visit during daylight hours and be mindful of services. The priest's mass delivery is noted as beautiful.
🚶 Explore Tlaxcalilla
Wander the historic Tlaxcalilla neighborhood, the original settlement of San Luis Potosí.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sober Baroque Facade
Admire the simple yet imposing Baroque facade and heavy tower of this historic religious site.
Preserved Sacred Art
Explore the interior, which, despite 1950s renovations, houses 25 paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Founder's Chapel
See the chapel built by the city's founder, Fray Diego de la Magdalena, preserving historical modifications.
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Planning Your Visit
Historical Significance
Neighborhood Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕰️ Respectful Visits
Visit during daylight hours and be mindful of services. The priest's mass delivery is noted as beautiful.
🚶 Explore Tlaxcalilla
Wander the historic Tlaxcalilla neighborhood, the original settlement of San Luis Potosí.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Take time to observe the 17th and 18th-century paintings within the church.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕰️ Respectful Visits
Visit during daylight hours and be mindful of services. The priest's mass delivery is noted as beautiful.
🚶 Explore Tlaxcalilla
Wander the historic Tlaxcalilla neighborhood, the original settlement of San Luis Potosí.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Take time to observe the 17th and 18th-century paintings within the church.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Templo de Nuestra Señora de Tlaxcala to be an important historical site, noting its status as the oldest religious building and its preserved sacred art. While some acknowledge its historical significance, others find it 'ok.' The beauty of the mass and the historical context of the Tlaxcalilla neighborhood are often highlighted positively.
"It's ok, if you can visit it you should."
Oswaldo Arias Estrada
"Cool"
Karen Torrez
"An important historical site for several reasons. It is the oldest religious building in the city, dating back to the first half of the 17th century. The façade is simple, in a sober Baroque style, with a heavy tower. The interior was recently decorated in the 1950s but still preserves important sacred art. These include 25 paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the cloister, although clumsily opened. According to tradition, it was the burial place of Friar Diego de la Magdalena, founder of the town of San Luis, and where the chronicler Arlegui completed his chronicle."
Federico Sanchez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in the Tlaxcalilla neighborhood of San Luis Potosí. You can reach it by local taxi or ride-sharing services. Public buses also serve the area, though routes may vary.
Street parking may be available in the Tlaxcalilla neighborhood, but it can be limited. It's advisable to check local conditions upon arrival or consider public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple is generally free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are often appreciated to help with maintenance.
The temple's hours can vary, but it is typically open during daylight hours, especially for mass. It's best to visit during the day to explore its historical significance.
Yes, you can attend religious services. Visitors often note the beauty of the mass when delivered by the priest.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It is the oldest religious building in San Luis Potosí, dating back to the early 17th century. It's considered the birthplace of the city and holds important historical and artistic treasures.
The interior preserves sacred art, including 25 paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the chapel built by the city's founder.
Absolutely. Tlaxcalilla was the original settlement of San Luis Potosí, and exploring the neighborhood adds context to the temple's historical importance.
Yes, the temple has faced challenges, including theft of assets between 2015-2018. Despite this, its historical value remains significant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit concise, focusing on the most visually interesting aspects like the facade and a few key paintings. The surrounding Tlaxcalilla neighborhood offers a glimpse into a traditional part of the city, which can be a gentle introduction to local life.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve into the stories of Fray Diego de la Magdalena and the historical context of the Tlaxcalilla neighborhood. The temple's history, including periods of preservation and challenges like theft, provides a rich narrative for those interested in the evolution of San Luis Potosí.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into San Luis Potosí's Origins
Despite facing challenges like theft of assets in recent years, the temple's architectural and artistic significance endures. Its facade is described as simple, in a sober Baroque style, featuring a substantial tower. Inside, while renovations occurred in the 1950s, it still safeguards important sacred art, including a notable collection of 25 paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The temple is also linked to Fray Diego de la Magdalena, the founder of San Luis, who is traditionally believed to be buried there. The chapel built by him within the church preserves historical modifications, adding another layer to its rich past. Even historical figures like Guillermo Kahlo, Frida Kahlo's father, are noted to have visited.
Architectural and Artistic Treasures
Inside, the temple holds a significant collection of sacred art. Visitors can admire 25 paintings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a visual journey through religious art history. The chapel built by Fray Diego de la Magdalena, the city's founder, is a key feature, retaining modifications from 1707 that speak to its evolving history.
While the interior has seen updates, the essence of its historical and artistic value remains. The cloister, though described as clumsily opened, is another element that contributes to the temple's historical narrative. The sound of its four main bells, rumored to be made of gold and silver, is said to be exceptionally fine, like that of precious coins.
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