Visiting Templo Expiatorio

About Templo Expiatorio

Guadalajara's neo-Gothic Expiatory Temple took most of the 20th century to complete, with tall stained-glass windows and a carved stone façade. Its clock tower has mechanical figures of the twelve apostles that emerge and parade at set times of day.

Tip: Ask locally or check the times posted at the church for the apostles' procession, and stay for the food stalls on the plaza in the evening.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Colonia Americana and Lafayette, early 20th-century mansions, cafés and bars along Avenida Chapultepec.

Best time to visit Templo Expiatorio

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• January: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• May: 33°C (91°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, quiet crowds.

When to visit Guadalajara has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Templo Expiatorio is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabañas.

• No. 13 of the 18 sights in our Guadalajara things-to-do list.
• Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
• Listed in free things to do in Guadalajara.
• A family favourite in Guadalajara with kids.

Near Templo Expiatorio

Also in Colonia Americana and Lafayette, so you can walk between them:

• Avenida Chapultepec — 2–3 hours, free

If you like Templo Expiatorio

• Guadalajara Cathedral — Centro Histórico, 45 minutes
• Plaza Tapatía — Centro Histórico, 30–45 minutes
• Basílica de Zapopan — Zapopan and Andares, 1 hour

Staying near Templo Expiatorio

Stay in Colonia Americana and Lafayette ($$$) to walk here: early 20th-century mansions, cafés and bars along Avenida Chapultepec. All areas to stay in Guadalajara.

Questions travellers ask