Taxco, Mexico, as seen from the Statue of ChristTaxco, Mexico, as seen from the Statue of Christ
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NorthChristTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia
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Taxco is a small city in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It is officially known as Taxco de Alarcón, but is commonly referred to simply as Taxco. The city covers 347 sq km (134 sq mi) and has a population of 40,000 people (2011 estimate).

Street in Taxco de Alarcón, MexicoStreet in Taxco de Alarcón, Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ReformaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia
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The name Taxco was derived from the Nahuatl word tlacheco, meaning "place of the ballgame", in reference to the ceremonial ballgame played by the prehispanic Mesoamericans. Another theory states that the name comes from a different word, tatzco, meaning "father of the water", in reference to the high waterfall in the area.

Located 1,778 m (5,833 ft) above sea level, Taxco is today one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Mexico. Its charming period houses has attracted tourists far and wide, making Taxco an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Houses around Plaza Borda in TaxcoHouses around Plaza Borda in Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taxco_Z%C3%B3calo.JPG
Author: Labé
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Taxco is located 170 km to the southwest of Mexico City. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area upon hearing Aztec tales that the area was rich in silver. That indeed proved true, and the town was created largely for the purpose of extracting the silver ore.

Major silver mining took place in the 16th century, and continued for a hundred years until the ore was depleted. Taxco then went into decline until the 18th century, when new lodes of silver was discovered by José de la Borda, reviving the town's fortunes.

Casa Borda, TaxcoCasa Borda, Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BordaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia
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In 1932, William Spratling introduced silversmithing to Taxco. The town was soon recognized throughout Mexico for the high quality of its silverwork. The tradition of crafting silver into jewelry continues today, and forms part of the town's economy.

Igreja de Santa Prisca, TaxcoIgreja de Santa Prisca, Taxco
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FacadePriscaTaxco.JPG
Author: AlejandroLinaresGarcia
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Visiting Taxco

You can reach Taxco by bus from Mexico City. A one-way ticket costs 130 pesos.

Places of Interest in Taxco

  1. Casa Borda
    House built by the Borda family for the parish priest in 1759.

  2. Casa de Figueroa
    House near Plaza Borda with an intriguing history.

  3. Iglesia de Santa Prisca
    The main church in the middle of Taxco. Its construction was funded by José de la Borda, who made his fortune from silver.

  4. Museo de Arte Virreinal Casa HumboldtA beautiful historic house named after naturalist Baron von Humboldt who overnighted there in 1803.

  5. Museo Guillermo Spratling
    Museum exhibiting pre-Columbian artifacts and other works of art assembled by William Spratling.

  6. Plaza Borda
    Public square in the mittle of Taxco lined with old buildings. Today it is a touristic area with shops and restaurants.

  7. Taxco Market
    A local market where you can admire the local produce and handicrafts.

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.
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