MEXICO CITY, VISIT TO THE GUADALUPE SANCTUARY

Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe and live a fascinating experience that will immerse you in the rich history and spirituality of the most visited sanctuary in the world, receiving more than 20 million people a year. As you tour its imposing facilities, you will encounter a unique mix of viceregal and modern architecture, reflecting the cultural and religious importance of this sanctuary.

Its history dates back to 1531, when it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to the Indian Juan Diego here on the Tepeyac hill; according to legend, the Virgin left her image imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak as proof of her appearances where she expressed her desire that a temple dedicated to her be built there.

Located in Tepeyac, a site where the mother goddess Tonantzin was previously venerated by the Mexicas, millions of pilgrims and visitors gather to pay homage to the Virgin and experience the devotion that has endured throughout the centuries.

During the tour, we will visit all 10 religious, historical and architectural treasures that the Villa de Guadalupe complex houses:

1.- The Old Basilica called the Expiatory Temple of Christ the King began its construction in 1695 under the direction of the architect Pedro de Arrieta, being completed in 1709; the temple received the title of Collegiate Church in 1749 and was elevated to a basilica in 1904 by Pope Pius X and the original image was there until 1976.

2.- The New Basilica of Guadalupe was inaugurated and blessed in 1976 with the purpose of housing the sacred tilma or cloak that shows the venerated image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and at the same time receiving the millions of parishioners who visit it annually; its construction and design is due to 5 famous Mexican architects including the famous Architect Pedro Ramirez Vázquez.

3.- The Chapel of the Well: It is a circular baroque style work, built in the 18th century by Francisco Guerrero y Torres. Its name is due to the fact that there was a spring of miraculous waters in the place, and it is also said that the fourth apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego occurred on this site.

4.- The Chapel of the Indians: Built in 1649 by Luis Lasso de la Vega, it is the oldest building in the complex. It is believed that this was Juan Diego’s residence during the latter part of his life and housed the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from 1695 to 1709. In addition, it played a significant role during the Mexican Independence by protecting the banner of Miguel Hidalgo.

5.- The Chapel of Cerrito: It was built in 1666 by Cristóbal de Aguirre and renovated in 1740. Dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. It is the site where, according to tradition, Juan Diego cut and collected roses on the instructions of the Virgin of Guadalupe, to present them as evidence of her apparitions to Archbishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga.

6.- The Museum of the Basilica of Guadalupe is home to the most extensive collection dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Inaugurated in 1941, it currently has more than 2,000 votive offerings and 4,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, liturgical works, and a variety of Asian, European and New Spanish art spanning from the 16th to the 20th century, with works by great masters of the viceregal era such as: Cristóbal de Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera, Juan Correa, Juan Cordero, Baltazar de Echave Ibía and many others.

7.- Parish and Former Convent of Santa María de Guadalupe Capuchinas: Designed by the architect Ignacio Castera; it is a temple and former convent built between 1792 and 1797, which has had various uses throughout its history, including housing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in periods when the sanctuary was closed. Here you can find the historical archive of the Basilica of Guadalupe and the Theological Library “Lorenzo Boturini”.

8.- Tepeyac Pantheon: It is said to have been founded in 1660 by the Knights of the Order of Guadalupe; according to an older legend, it began with the burial of Juan Diego himself, who died in 1548, some 18 years after the famous apparitions of 1531. Although 1660 is the date of the oldest tombstones in the place and here are buried the former president Antonio López de Santa Anna and his wife, the famous painter José María Velasco, the architect Lorenzo de la Hidalga, Gabriel Mancera, Manuel Orozco and Berra.

9.- Sculpture “The Offering”: This sculpture group of 17 figures is located in the Tepeyac Gardens. The figure of the Virgin is almost four meters high and is accompanied by Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Juan Diego and several characters who offer corn, flowers and incense as an offering. The fountain is framed by two waterfalls joined at the feet of the Morenita del Tepeyac. The original design was by Don Aurelio G. D. Mendoza; the bronze sculptures were made by Alberto Pérez Sonria and Gerardo Quiroz. It was inaugurated in September 1986. 10. The Bell Tower or Carillon of the Basilica: It has 48 cast bronze bells and was completed in 1991. The tower was also designed by the architect Pedro Ramírez Vazquez and its purpose here was to show the many ways in which time is measured and reflected. On the reverse side there is a civil clock and an astrolabe. On the right side, a sundial tilts towards the sun; on the left is an Aztec clock, which based on lunar observations establishes the harvest and planting seasons in 18 months of 20 days, based on pre-Hispanic beliefs.

At 23 meters high, the tower is completed at the front by a circular cyclorama showing the history of the apparitions of the Virgin. The robotic figures of Juan Diego, Fray Juan de Zumárraga and Juan Bernardino, as well as the doors and lighting, are set in motion by a complex control system manufactured in Holland.

So, whether you long to explore the fascinating history, immerse yourself in spirituality or simply delight in the architecture, the Basilica of Guadalupe complex has something unique for everyone; come and discover why Catholics and non-Catholics, believers and non-believers and of all religions, venerate her. This is the true Guadalupano miracle: “The veneration and devotion to the Virgin Saint Mary of Guadalupe”