Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol

Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol is the historic parish church at the heart of Tlaquepaque, a town now folded into the Guadalajara metropolitan area in the state of Jalisco. Standing right on the main square, it has served for generations as both a spiritual anchor and a visual landmark for this well-known "Pueblo Mágico."

How do you get there?

Tlaquepaque sits a short ride from downtown Guadalajara and is one of the most visited towns in the metro area, reachable by public transport or taxi without much planning. The church faces the town's main plaza, surrounded by craft stalls, cafés, and galleries, so once you reach the historic center you can hardly miss it.

What will you see?

The church's façade follows a Baroque design, topped by a two-tiered bell tower with a crowning crest. The lower section is built on a rectangular plan and holds two bells, while the upper tier shifts to an octagonal shape. Overall, the building blends Baroque, Romanesque, and Byzantine influences, giving it a layered look that reflects the different phases of its long construction and later restorations.

Franciscan friars began building the church around 1670, but the work dragged on for more than a century because of recurring financial difficulties, finally wrapping up in 1813. The temple was dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, the patron saint of the town, and the parish itself was formally established on October 27, 1845. By the close of the 19th century the building needed extensive repairs, having fallen into poor condition.

One detail worth looking for is the statue of Saint Peter crowning the tower. The original clay figure was destroyed during the Cristero War, struck by a bullet fired by a federal soldier. It was replaced in 1941 with a new concrete statue, made by the craftsman Esteban Ramírez Guareño — the same figure that still tops the tower today.

When should you visit?

Tlaquepaque is best explored during the day, when the surrounding ceramics workshops and galleries are open and the square in front of the church is at its liveliest. On weekend afternoons and evenings, the plaza often hosts local events and live music, which adds atmosphere but can make it harder to take in the church itself in peace. An early weekday morning is the better choice if you want a quieter look at the façade and interior.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the church dedicated to? The church honors Saint Peter the Apostle, who is also the patron saint of the town of Tlaquepaque.

When was the church built? Franciscans started construction around 1670, and the work was finally completed in 1813 after more than a century of interruptions caused by financial troubles. The parish was formally established in 1845.

What happened to the original statue of Saint Peter? The clay statue that once crowned the tower was destroyed during the Cristero War when it was struck by a bullet fired by a federal soldier. It was replaced in 1941 with a new concrete sculpture made by Esteban Ramírez Guareño.

Is there an entrance fee? No — visiting the church is free, as is typical for active Catholic parishes in Mexico. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and stay quiet during services.