Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe — Attraction in Mexico City

Back in 2002, during a memorable trip to Mexico, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most sacred and culturally significant sites in Latin America—the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Located on the northern slope of Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, this place stands as a monumental testament to the convergence of history, faith, and Mexican identity.

As I approached the basilica grounds, I was immediately struck by the wide, open expanse of the Plaza Mariana, bustling with people. It felt alive with a unique mix of tourists, pilgrims, and locals, all drawn to this spiritual site. I vividly remember seeing some pilgrims making their way across the plaza on their knees, an act of devotion that truly showcased the deep reverence for the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico. It was a humbling sight, and walking through that space, I felt a profound sense of the cultural and spiritual energy that defines this place.

When I first entered the new basilica, I was taken aback by its modern design, contrasting the historical richness of the venue. Built in the 20th century to accommodate the millions of visitors who come each year, the circular design ensures that the focal point—the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe—remains visible to everyone inside. Standing in front of the image, preserved on Saint Juan Diego’s tilma, I felt an undeniable connection to the past. This image, still miraculously intact after centuries, serves as both a religious symbol and a unifying figure for the people of Mexico. Witnessing it firsthand, I understood how it has inspired such deep devotion.

After exploring the main basilica, I made my way up Tepeyac Hill to visit the older structures. The Old Basilica, with its grand baroque architecture, had a different feel—more intimate, quieter, with the worn stone floors bearing witness to generations of pilgrims. I spent some time reflecting here, imagining the countless prayers that had been offered over the centuries.

Continuing the climb, I reached the Capilla del Cerrito at the top of Tepeyac Hill, where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to Juan Diego in 1531. The chapel, with its stunning views of Mexico City, felt like a place where history and legend meet. Looking out over the vast cityscape, I could see how this hill had been a sacred site long before the Virgin’s apparition, a place where indigenous traditions and Catholic faith intertwined.

One of the most impactful moments of the visit was seeing the monument to Juan Diego at the base of the hill, depicting his encounter with the Virgin. The monument, with its detailed bronze statues of indigenous figures bowing before the Virgin, captured a powerful moment in history. It beautifully illustrates the moment Juan Diego presented the miraculous image on his tilma to the bishop—a moment that forever changed the spiritual landscape of Mexico. The mix of indigenous and Christian symbolism in the artwork struck me as an important reflection of Mexico’s cultural fusion.

Walking through the serene gardens and courtyards, I remember the peaceful sound of waterfalls and birds, providing a contrast to the busy urban environment surrounding the basilica. The venue felt like a sanctuary in every sense, offering spaces for prayer and reflection. Taking a few moments to sit in the gardens, I thought about how this site had witnessed nearly five centuries of faith, resilience, and devotion. The Virgin’s role in Mexican identity was palpable, not only as a religious icon but also as a symbol of unity, strength, and hope.

Even in 2002, the site was a living testament to the enduring importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe. I left the basilica feeling deeply moved—not just by the religious significance of the venue, but by its role in shaping the cultural and national identity of Mexico.

For anyone visiting Mexico, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is not just a place to see, but a place...

For my second visit to Mexico, I definitely wanted to go to this Guadalupe Temple, so I asked him to take me there.

We went out on Monday because it was crowded on Saturdays and Sundays and it was difficult to park first.

Since the day we went out was near December 12 (Guadalupe-sama's day), all over Mexico (Mexico is about five times as large as Japan) There were many pilgrims in each village.

The appearance is different from the atmosphere of Japanese pilgrimage by ringing drums and flutes. It feels like a Japanese festival Guadalupe was displayed on the god.

After passing through the gate, you will see the old temple in front and the new temple on your left.

The new temple has a solemn atmosphere and is full of enthusiastic followers. A mass was being held in the temple.

And there is something like a book stand in the temple Someone was writing something.

Do you record even your own name? If you think That's what Guadalupe did, It is said that he prays and writes such good things and wonderful miracles. (Is it like a thank you?)

I also saw something like a ballot box for elections. If you write the name of the deceased person on the box, the name will be called at the mass.

The miracle cloak rides on something like a moving walkway in a new temple I looked up high and visited. It's wonderful, I was impressed. (But photography is difficult)

After that, go to the souvenir shop in the temple I'm not a Christian, but I bought a rosary.

In addition, there are souvenir shops on the basement floor.

On Saturdays and Sundays, like temples, it's so crowded that you can't even enter the souvenir shop in the underground parking .

I went out and then visited the old temple.

I also took a closer look at the real confession room for the first time. (I felt the air was a little different)

The local people also said that they could not visit the old temple for a long time due to the land subsidence. (Now you can reinforce and tour) There are many people who come to pilgrimage from all over Mexico, and in such a place I felt grateful to be able to take a short...

I am giving a 5 star review to this beautiful Basilica because I love our Holy Mother of Guadalupe, however I was a little bit angry to see way too many vendors around this sanctuary.

I understand everybody needs to work but when you see guys with images of the Holy Mother and a stuffed donkeys on kind of photo booths, waiting for you to have them take you a picture within the sanctuary land, to me that was not right. It looked more like an amusement park.

The Shrine is beautiful and I have to say the Mexican authorities were really smart when deciding to install a moving band right behind the main altar were the holy Mother Image is. It allows people to move quick out of the way so everybody has the opportunity to see the image and take the picture they always wanted.

The second area I found way too beautiful was the original or old basilica. Sadly we all know it is sinking, but walking inside of it is a must. It was kind of odd but I felt more spirituality while walking inside that one than by the new modern one. Mexican authorities are trying their best to preserve it.

The top of the Cerro del Tepeyac, visiting this Basilica and not walking all the way up the hill or cerro del Tepeyac is a big mistake. We were told the Holy Mother first appeared to Sand Juan Diego on the top of this cerro. There is a beautiful chapel which was by far the most spiritual space of the three. We could feel that peaceful environment while people were praying inside. While walking down the hill, use the left hand side sidewalks and steps so you can see the amazing statues the authorities built to honor the Holy Mother and the originals. That is an incredible piece of history and faith, and is by far the best area to get a perfect picture of your journey around this...