Mexico’s Taj Mahal is in Guanajuato

Published September 6th, 2021

The history of the Taj Mahal in India is well known. The Muslim emperor Shah Jahan built it in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth of their 14th son. This funerary monument composed of several buildings, including a white marble mausoleum with embedded semiprecious stones and a huge dome, is one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet. In fact, in 1983 it was declared a World Heritage Site, and, in 2007, it became one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.

Its Mughal architecture is exceptional; that is to say, it is a style that takes up Islamic, Persian, Indian and even Turkish architecture.

So much majesty and beauty wanted to be replicated in Mexico. Yes, it is the Temple of the Crosses and it is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

This Catholic temple is located 12 kilometers from the community of Acámbaro, in Guanajuato. It was designed by architect José Ignacio Monroy, who was inspired by the original Taj Mahal for its exterior design.

As detailed in a video posted on Facebook by the Municipal Institute of Culture of Acámbaro, the temple was inaugurated on December 28, 2014, in the community of Las Cruces. The work is not yet completed, as the esplanade has not yet been built.

From the pueblo to the people
The original temple was located in another part of the town but was demolished for the construction of the new Templo de las Cruces. The land on which it now stands was owned by Francisco Uribe, who decided to pass it on to his daughters so that the new church, now also known as the Mexican Taj Mahal, could be built.

The Mexican Taj Mahal was financed by the same fellow countrymen from Guanajuato who had to leave for the United States as migrants. With voluntary contributions of remittances, this architectural work dedicated to the so-called Empress of America was built, according to information from the Municipal Institute of Culture of Acámbaro.

These donations were administered by a community committee dedicated to the work of the Mexican Taj Mahal. In this way, they ensured the good destination of the voluntary contributions.

Inspired by India, Made in Mexico
The exterior architecture of the Mexican Taj Mahal features five golden domes.

The front façade of the temple features a profile of the Virgin of Guadalupe above the main gate. In addition, the entire exterior (including the towers) is made of pink quarry stone from Tlalpujahua, Michoacán.

It also has a large staircase that leads from the western esplanade to the side of the church, and to the four large towers located at the corners.

This lateral façade is decorated with arches and details inspired by Islamic and Persian architecture and stained glass windows that allow light to enter the interior during the afternoon.

The interior of the temple is simpler. Its arches are spacious; from the domes, painted blue with golden details, hang chandeliers; and, there is a carved quarry altar, whose main niche is dedicated, again, to the Virgin.

The Temple of the Crosses or the Mexican Taj Mahal can be visited daily from 7 am to 7 pm.

According to the Guanajuato state government, Acámbaro is an Otomí town, famous for its delicious bread, known as Acambaritas.