San Cayetano de La Valenciana

Sally and Beth host inSPIREd Sunday!

February 2016 - Guanajuato Mexico

I posted here about our city tour that had a few surprises one of them was visit to this church.

No blue sky today was rather overcast.


In the village of La Valenciana near the entrance to the La Valenciana silver mine stands one of the most impressive Guanajuato attractions, the 18th century Templo de San Cayetano de La Valenciana (San Cayetano Church). The San Cayetano Church sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Guanajuato and stands as a monument to the vast wealth of the La Valenciana silver mine and the rich history of silver mining in the Bajio, or heartland, of Mexico during the colonial period.

The San Cayetano Church was built by Antonio de Obregon y Alcocer, the Conde de Valenciana (Count of Valenciana) and original owner of the La Valenciana silver mine. Construction of the church began in 1765 and was completed in 1788. The San Cayetano Church was financed with profits from the La Valenciana silver mine, once one of the richest and most productive silver mines in the world.

The church was built using a local pink stone known as cantera rosa. The facade is carved in Mexican baroque style and the side windows feature neo-mudejar style arches. The church was never quite finished, and you’ll notice that it’s missing the second bell tower and clock on the right side.

Prepare to be dazzled as we step inside.

The chancel holds three very large Churrigueresque altarpieces, all covered in gold leaf, with the one in the center dedicated to Saint Cajetan

The Temple La Valenciana was constructed in the classical Latin cross form. Inside the carved wooden altars are gilded with gold leaf and are possibly the most elaborate in Mexico.

The pulpit is lavishly encrusted with ivory and precious hardwoods and magnificent paintings depicting scenes from the Bible adorn the walls.

Carving on the pulpit.