Animated and pleasing to the eye, Borda Square (Plaza Borda or Zócalo) is the historic and spiritual heart of Taxco. Come to the square to see some of the town’s finest Baroque and colonial landmarks. Shop for regional handicrafts and silver jewellery, people-watch from a tree-shaded bench, visit museums and browse art exhibitions. Borda Square dates back to the 1700s and takes its name from the French-Spanish silver-mining magnate José de la Borda.
The square features an antiquated colonial design with a cobblestone floor plan, central bandstand and centuries-old laurel trees. Sit on one of the wrought iron benches and enjoy the lively action that takes place. See vendors hawking Guerrero masks, sombreros and the ubiquitous Taxco silver products. Watch as street performers, such as clowns and traditional Mariachi bands, entertain the crowds.
On the east side of the square is Santa Prisca Cathedral, a stunning Baroque church gifted to the town by José de la Borda. Gaze at the elaborate pink façade and the intricately carved twin bell towers. Step inside to find a series of majestic altars adorned with gold leaf and handcrafted wood carvings. Whitewashed colonial houses, many home to bars, cafés and shops, frame the other sides of the plaza.
Go to the Casa Borda Cultural Centre to watch concerts and contemporary theatre shows and peruse painting, pottery and sculpture displays. See how the town’s famed silver products are made at the Silver Museum. This museum sits within the Patio de las Artesanías, a commercial gallery of silver stores.
Leading south from the square is Cuauhtémoc street, where you’ll find some of the town’s finest restaurants. Here you can sample local delicacies such as jumil, which is an insect with a cinnamon-like flavour. Follow the winding lanes past the cathedral into the busy Mercado Central retail district.
Find Borda Square in the geographical centre of Taxco. It’s a short walk from the Figueroa House Museum and Guillermo Spratling Museum, among other major attractions. Minibuses and taxis depart frequently from the square to the town’s outer neighbourhoods.
