The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is located to the north of Mexico City, is one of the most visited sanctuaries in the world. Its origins date back to December 1531, when, according to Catholic tradition, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on the hill of Tepeyac. During these apparitions, our Blessed Mother requested that a temple be built in her honor at that site.
In response to our Blessed Mother request, the first Bishop of Mexico, Fray Juan de Zumárraga, ordered the construction of a small hermitage in 1531, which became a place of pilgrimage from its very beginnings.
However, with the increasing number of faithful, the need for a larger space became evident, so in 1709, the first basilica was inaugurated, today known as the Old Basilica of Guadalupe.
Due to the structural deterioration of the old basilica and the continuous increase in visitors, it was decided to construct a new building. The New Basilica of Guadalupe was designed by the architects Pedro Ramárez Vázquez, José Luis Benlliure, Alejandro Schoenhofer, Fray Gabriel Chávez de la Mora, and Javier García Lascuráin.
It was consecrated on October 12, 1976, as the most modern house of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This modern building can accommodate thousands of faithful and features a circular architecture that allows a clear view of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from any point inside.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only a religious center but also a cultural and national symbol of Mexico. Its importance transcends the spiritual, becoming an emblem of Mexican identity and heritage. Each year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit the Shrine to pay homage to our Blessed Mother, considered the Patroness of Mexico and a symbol of unity and hope for Mexicans. These visits are not only an act of devotion but also an opportunity for the faithful to root in with their cultural and spiritual faith.
The Shrine is the setting for numerous Holy Masses, pilgrimages, and festivities throughout the year. December 12, the Feast Day of our Blessed Mother, being the most significant. On this occasion, the Shrine fills with an atmosphere of fervor and joy. Pilgrims eagerly participate in these activities, many of them traveling long distances on foot, by bicycle, or in caravans, showing their devotion and gratitude to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In addition to its religious significance, the Shrine is also an important tourist attraction. Its impressive architecture and its location on the hill of Tepeyac make it a place of historical and cultural interest. Visitors can explore the complex, which includes both the old and new Shrine, the museum, the Chapel of Cerrito, and other adjacent chapels, each with its own significance and beauty.
The Shrine is a place where faith, history, and culture intertwine, offering pilgrims and tourists a unique experience. It is a meeting point for people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. However, for Catholics it is a unique occasion of unity to continue with the veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the search for a deeper relationship of our being in the spirit and the flesh.
