With twisting streets and red tiled roofs, Taxco hangs on a steep mountainside as if someone had planned it as a movie set of an Old World village. It is one of Mexico's most colorful towns, and a favorite subject for artists and photographers. The Mexican government has designated Taxco as a national colonial monument.
Taxco is immersed in its silver heritage. Representing the center of Mexico's silversmith trade, Taxco has been molded by silver mines, silver barons, and the silver industry of modern times. Silver was first discovered in the area by Cortez in 1522, paving the way for the arrival of a French miner, Jose de la Borda, who created his own silver empire in the 18th century. A few crumbling, ghostly mines testify to his good fortune and subsequent wealth. The silver industry evolved to its present status about 50 years ago after being revitalized by an American, the late William Spratling. Today, you'll find silver showrooms and workshops all over town though little silver is actually mined around Taxco any more.
Taxco's streets, hills, buildings, and shops are best explored on foot. (One suggestion wear tennis shoes to avoid slipping.) Taxco is another of those towns whose streets are mostly one way and change names frequently. Cobblestone streets and narrow passageways lend a feeling of authenticity to the colonial atmosphere so well established by the town's architecture.
Taxco's hotels, for the most part, cling to the hills around town, providing luxurious views of the nightly fireworks in the square below. The local tourist office provides general information and a map of the town. Make sure your reservations are confirmed in advance.
With twisting streets and red tiled roofs, Taxco hangs on a steep mountainside as if someone had planned it as a movie set of an Old World village. It is one of Mexico's most colorful towns, and a favorite subject for artists and photographers. The Mexican government has designated Taxco as a national colonial monument.
Taxco's streets, hills, buildings, and shops are best explored on foot. (One suggestion wear tennis shoes to avoid slipping.) Taxco is another of those towns whose streets are mostly one way and change names frequently. Cobblestone streets and narrow passageways lend a feeling of authenticity to the colonial atmosphere so well established by the town's architecture.
