During the construction of the mighty Santa Prisca a miraculous event was witnessed by the deeply religious town’s folk of Taxco and this became the legend of the church. The event is (semi) depicted in the doomed roof which stands above the church and more obvious illustrated by the paints inside.

The event occurred in 1751 during the early phases of the churches construction and at a time when the churches sponsor, Jose de la Borda, was visiting the other major mining town of Guanjjj.

During the evening a massive storm rolled up the hills surrounding Taxco and punishing rain fell. As the storm increased strange unnatural winds blew which were described as cold as death.

The workers on the project fearing for their lives hid in the unfinished church and watched as a tremendous thunder and lightning storm over took the region.

The stunning Santa Prisca church in Taxco

The bright flashes of the storm illuminated strange dark figures and silhouettes within the churches skeleton frame work. The cowering workmen believed these to be demons and evil spirits set to destroy what was considered to be the greatest church in the whole of Mexico.

The deeply religious people prayed for protection from the spirits and their answer came as a might lightning bolt. The bolt struck the doomed roof which was mysteriously illuminated and from this light the words Glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth for men with good will (in Spanish of course!) was visible.

The entire town fell to their knees and started to pray while the storm raged on. The ferocity of the storm changed, instead of directed towards the town it refocused on the dark figures and shadows.

With each lightning bolt the evil shadowy figures vanished and the most religious reported seeing a beautiful woman in the clouds directing the bolts at the shadow creatures. These people believed the women in the clouds to be that of Saint Prisca to whom the church was to be dedicated to.

The church was saved and the storm passed but the residence of Taxco believed that their church was saved by Saint Prisca. The doomed roof of the Santa Prisca has painted tiles which represent the bright light see by the town.

Inside there are paintings of the fitful night which depicted the legend Saint Prisca to tourist and visitors of the town.