Santiago el Mayor is one of the most distinctive churches in Guadalajara's old town, with a tall square tower that dominates the streetscape around it. The church was built in the 15th and 16th centuries in a transitional Gothic-Renaissance style and contains several good examples of Mendoza family patronage — the tombs and chapels inside reflect the wealth and piety of the families who controlled Guadalajara during its brief period of prominence.
The church is normally open for worship in the mornings and early evenings. The tower can be seen from several streets in the old town and provides a useful orientation point.