VISIT TO THE GUADALUPE SANCTUARY FROM MEXICO CITY

Transfer to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas. We will visit the Chapel of Cerrito del Tepeyac (Old Basilica), which was built to commemorate the three apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego and where there are six murals by Fernando Leal entitled ‘The Legend of Guadalupe’. Afterwards, we will visit the new basilica to admire Juan Diego’s cloak, upon which the Virgin left her image. There will be time to attend Mass and do some shopping.
Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe and enjoy a fascinating experience that will immerse you in the rich history and spirituality of the world’s most visited shrine. As you explore its impressive facilities, which welcome over 20 million people a year, you will encounter a unique blend of colonial and modern architecture, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of this sanctuary.
Its history dates back to 1531, when it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to the indigenous man Juan Diego here on Tepeyac Hill; according to legend, the Virgin left her image imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak as proof of her apparitions, where she expressed her wish for a temple dedicated to her to be built there.
Located on Tepeyac, a site where the Mexica people once worshipped the mother goddess Tonantzin, millions of pilgrims and visitors gather to pay homage to the Virgin and experience the devotion that has endured through the centuries.
During the tour, we will visit all 10 of the religious, historical and architectural treasures housed within the Villa de Guadalupe complex:
1.- The Old Basilica, known as the Expiatory Temple of Christ the King, began construction in 1695 under the direction of the architect Pedro de Arrieta and was completed in 1709; the temple was granted the title of Collegiate Church in 1749 and was elevated to the status of basilica in 1904 by Pope Pius X, and the original image remained there until 1976.
2.- The New Basilica of Guadalupe was inaugurated and blessed in 1976 with the aim of housing the sacred tilma or cloak bearing the venerated image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, whilst also accommodating the millions of worshippers who visit it annually; its construction and design are the work of five renowned Mexican architects, including the famous architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez.
3.- The Chapel of El Pocito: This is a circular Baroque-style building, constructed in the 18th century by Francisco Guerrero y Torres. It takes its name from the fact that a spring of miraculous waters was once found on the site, and it is also said that the fourth apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego took place here.
4. The Chapel of the Indigenous People: Built in 1649 by Luis Lasso de la Vega, it is the oldest building in the complex. It is believed that this was the residence of Juan Diego during the latter part of his life and that it housed the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from 1695 to 1709. Furthermore, it played a significant role during the Mexican War of Independence by safeguarding Miguel Hidalgo’s banner.
5.- The Chapel of El Cerrito: Built in 1666 by Cristóbal de Aguirre and renovated in 1740, it is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. According to tradition, this is the site where Juan Diego cut and gathered 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. Opened in 1941, it currently houses over 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 Church and Former Convent of Santa María de Guadalupe Capuchinas: Designed by the architect Ignacio Castera, this is a church and former convent built between 1792 and 1797, which has served various purposes throughout its history, including housing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe during periods when the sanctuary was closed. The historical archive of the Basilica of Guadalupe and the ‘Lorenzo Boturini’ Theological Library are housed here.
8.- Tepeyac Cemetery: 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 gravestones on the site, 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 y Berra, and others are buried here.
9. ‘La Ofrenda’ Sculpture: This sculptural ensemble of 17 figures is located in the Tepeyac Gardens. The figure of the Virgin is almost four metres tall and is accompanied by Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Juan Diego and several other figures offering her maize, flowers and incense as an offering. The fountain is framed by two cascades at the feet of the Morenita del Tepeyac. The original design was by Don Aurelio G. D. Mendoza; the bronze sculptures were created by Alberto Pérez Sonria and Gerardo Quiroz. It was inaugurated in September 1986.
The Basilica’s Bell Tower or Carillon: It features 48 cast bronze bells and was completed in 1991. The tower was also designed by the architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, whose aim here was to showcase the many ways in which time is measured and reflected. On the front, it features a standard clock and an astrolabe. On the right-hand side, a sundial that tilts towards the sun; on the left, there is an Aztec clock, which, based on lunar observations, determines the harvest and sowing seasons over 18 months of 20 days, in accordance with pre-Hispanic beliefs.
Standing 23 metres tall, the tower is topped at the front by a circular diorama depicting the history of the Virgin’s apparitions. 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 the Netherlands.
So, whether you’re keen to explore its fascinating history, immerse yourself in its spirituality, or simply admire the architecture, the Basilica of Guadalupe complex has something unique to offer everyone; come and discover why Catholics and non-Catholics, believers and non-believers, and people of all faiths, venerate her. This is the true miracle of Guadalupe: “The veneration and devotion to the Holy Virgin Mary of Guadalupe”

Includes: Transport, tour guide

Does not include: Lunch, drinks, gratuities

Minimum 02 PASSENGERS

Operates: Wednesday & Saturday.

Schedule: 09:00 – 14:00 hours.

Duration aprox: 5 hrs.

Not operate on: October 31st, December 11th & 12nd