
Templo de San Felipe Neri (San Felipe Neri Church), Guadalajara
The San Felipe Neri Church is a magnificent Baroque and neoclassical church located in Guadalajara’s historic Centro district. Construction began in 1752 under the guidance of master builder Pedro José Ciprés and was completed in 1802. Today is recognized as a historic monument by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.
Its grand Plateresque façade resembles an ornamental altarpiece carved in cantera stone, featuring sculpted niches of saints like Saint Philip Neri and Saint Francis of Assisi, as well as a richly adorned pediment and an extraordinary bell tower, often hailed as one of the finest in western Mexico. Inside, the church follows a Latin-cross plan beneath a soaring dome and drum. The serene neoclassical interior is lined with 14 awe-inspiring oil paintings by renowned 18th–century artist Miguel Cabrera, many preserved in their original frames.
The basilica has long stood as a spiritual center. It was originally built as the oratory for the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, which arrived in Guadalajara in 1679 and remained until its suppression in 1858; it later passed to the Jesuits and the Sisters of Charity before taking its current status within the archdiocese. The church is also one of the celebrated stops on the traditional “Seven Temples” pilgrimage during Holy Week.
Its grand Plateresque façade resembles an ornamental altarpiece carved in cantera stone, featuring sculpted niches of saints like Saint Philip Neri and Saint Francis of Assisi, as well as a richly adorned pediment and an extraordinary bell tower, often hailed as one of the finest in western Mexico. Inside, the church follows a Latin-cross plan beneath a soaring dome and drum. The serene neoclassical interior is lined with 14 awe-inspiring oil paintings by renowned 18th–century artist Miguel Cabrera, many preserved in their original frames.
The basilica has long stood as a spiritual center. It was originally built as the oratory for the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, which arrived in Guadalajara in 1679 and remained until its suppression in 1858; it later passed to the Jesuits and the Sisters of Charity before taking its current status within the archdiocese. The church is also one of the celebrated stops on the traditional “Seven Temples” pilgrimage during Holy Week.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Guadalajara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Templo de San Felipe Neri (San Felipe Neri Church) on Map
Sight Name: Templo de San Felipe Neri (San Felipe Neri Church)
Sight Location: Guadalajara, Mexico (See walking tours in Guadalajara)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Guadalajara, Mexico (See walking tours in Guadalajara)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Guadalajara, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Guadalajara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Guadalajara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Center Walk
Guadalajara is a modern, bustling metropolis with a long history. It was founded in 1542 as part of New Spain. The town was named after Spanish conquistador Nuno de Guzman’s hometown in Spain.
The city became Mexican state Jalisco’s largest city and its capital. The town boomed during the 17th century, and it became the nation's second-largest city during the 18th century. Miguel... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
The city became Mexican state Jalisco’s largest city and its capital. The town boomed during the 17th century, and it became the nation's second-largest city during the 18th century. Miguel... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Guadalajara Historical Churches Walking Tour
Guadalajara, Mexico, is home to a great number of wonderful religious sites, dating back to the colonial era. Many of them are unique architectural treasures, with striking façades and equally impressive interiors.
The Expiatory Church, characterized by its neo-Gothic design, is a striking landmark dedicated to expiation and reparation. Meanwhile, the Our Lady of the Pilar Church boasts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Expiatory Church, characterized by its neo-Gothic design, is a striking landmark dedicated to expiation and reparation. Meanwhile, the Our Lady of the Pilar Church boasts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Squares of Guadalajara
The historic center of Guadalajara is the oldest part of the city, a place where it was founded. The abundance of handsome colonial landmarks here – old buildings, public parks and squares (plazas) – makes the area truly magnificent. The plazas – popular gathering spots filled with fountains, statues, benches and food stalls – are particularly great for having a break, watching people and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles