Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City

Nestled in the heart of Mexico City, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a revered shrine and a testament to faith and culture. This sacred site is not only the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destination in the world but also a national symbol of Mexico.

The shrine is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, and commemorates the miraculous appearances of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531. According to tradition, the Virgin requested a church be built on the site of her appearance, and as a sign, she caused roses to bloom on the barren hilltop of Tepeyac, imprinting her image on Juan Diego's cloak. This image, known as the "tilma," is displayed within the basilica and continues to draw millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe complex comprises several churches and buildings, including the old basilica, which dates back to 1709, and the modern basilica, completed in 1976. The new basilica was constructed to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims and to address the sinking foundation of the old church. Designed by architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Fray Gabriel Chávez de la Mora, the modern structure features a circular floor plan and a moving walkway to allow visitors to view the tilma without interrupting the flow of people.

The site is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, featuring a museum, a library, and beautiful gardens. It is a destination where art, history, and spirituality intertwine to offer a deeply moving experience. The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated on December 12th, sees the basilica and its surrounding area burst into a vibrant festival of faith, with pilgrims from across Mexico and the world converging to honor the Virgin Mary.