Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City
Overview
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, is a remarkable Roman Catholic church located in Mexico City. Consecrated in 1976, this modern basilica is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Perched next to a historic 16th-century church, the Old Basilica, the site holds deep historical significance. Originally a temple dedicated to the mother goddess Tonantzin, it was transformed following the arrival of Spanish conquerors. The Old Basilica was officially recognized in 1904, but its structural issues necessitated the construction of the New Basilica, crafted with a circular layout to ensure visibility of the revered image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from every angle. With nine chapels on the upper level and crypts beneath the main floor, the basilica boasts a comprehensive spiritual environment. Seven stately doors symbolize Christ’s seven gates of Jerusalem, inviting visitors to join in prayer sessions that occur around the clock. With around 30 masses celebrated daily, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe remains a vibrant center of faith and community, accompanied by the nearby historical Old Basilica, collectively known as La Villa de Guadalupe.
