Religious site
Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento
Adrián Cerón · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is the most beautiful church in Guadalajara and one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Mexico, a soaring, intricately detailed temple that took more than six decades to complete. Its richly carved stone facade, pointed arches, and twin spires recall the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, while inside, magnificent stained-glass windows (many made in Europe) flood the lofty nave with coloured light, and a beautiful Italian marble altar and ceiling reward a look upward. A special feature is the German-made clock on the facade: at certain hours, figures of the Twelve Apostles emerge and process to the sound of music, a charming spectacle worth timing your visit for.
Set on a plaza near the University of Guadalajara, it's a serene and impressive stop, free to enter and admire. Allow half an hour or so, and try to catch the apostle clock display. It's an active church, so visit respectfully and outside service times where possible.
Don't miss
- Soaring neo-Gothic stone architecture
- Magnificent European stained-glass windows
- The animated Twelve Apostles clock display
- An Italian marble altar and detailed ceiling
- A serene plaza setting near the university
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inVisit to the Cathedral of Santiago + Portico de la Gloria Option4.7★ · 548 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →
Best full dayTeotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Day Tour with Lunch4.8★ · 12,252 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate City Tour Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque5★ · 73 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$164 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Time your visit for the animated Twelve Apostles clock display.
- Entry is free, one of Mexico's finest neo-Gothic churches.
- The European stained glass is stunning in daylight.
- Visit respectfully, it's an active church.
A bit of history
Construction of the Templo Expiatorio began in 1897 and continued for over 60 years, finishing in the 1970s, under several architects who followed an Italian neo-Gothic design. It became Guadalajara's architectural jewel, renowned for its stonework, stained glass, and apostle clock.
Common questions
What is the Templo Expiatorio?
Guadalajara's most beautiful church, a soaring neo-Gothic temple that took over 60 years to build, famed for its carved stone facade, European stained glass, and animated apostle clock.
What's the apostle clock?
A German-made clock on the facade from which figures of the Twelve Apostles emerge and process to music at certain hours, a charming spectacle worth timing your visit for.
Is it free?
Yes, entry is free, with donations welcome; it's an active church, so visit respectfully.
Where is it?
On a plaza near the University of Guadalajara in the centre of the city.
More attractions in Guadalajara