Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Religion
Affiliation	Catholic Church (Roman Rite)
District	Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Minor basilica, National Shrine
Leadership	Enrique Glennie Graue
Year consecrated	12 October 1976
Location
Location	Villa de Guadalupe, Mexico City, Mexico
Architecture
Architect(s)	José Luis Benlliure
Architectural type	Church
Specifications
Capacity	10,000
Height (max)	42 metres (138 ft)
Dome dia. (outer)	100 metres (330 ft)
Website
www.virgendeguadalupe.org.mx

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very important Catholic church in Mexico City. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known here as Our Lady of Guadalupe. This famous church is located at the foot of the Tepeyac Hill.

Millions of people visit the Basilica every year. About nine million come around December 12. This is the day when Saint Mary of Guadalupe is celebrated. The Basilica of Guadalupe gets more visitors than many other famous religious sites. It is a huge cultural and social landmark.

History of the Basilica
Religious Buildings at Tepeyac
Gallery
See also

History of the Basilica

Transfer of the image of the Virgin, and inauguration of the sanctuary of Guadalupe, Mexico City. Manuel de Arellano, 1709.

La Colegiata de Guadalupe (1859) by Luis Coto.

The Villa de Guadalupe Seen from a Hot-air-Ballon, c. 1855 by Casimiro Castro. Museo Nacional de Arte.

Guadalupe Basilica postcard, 1923. University of Dayton Libraries.

The church we now call the Old Basilica of Guadalupe was started in March 1695. It was designed by architect Pedro de Arrieta. It officially opened its doors on May 1, 1709. In 1749, it became a "collegiate church." This means it had its own group of priests and a leader, even though it wasn't a cathedral.

In the early 1800s, the church needed repairs. This was because a new convent was built nearby. The church was redecorated in a new style called Neoclassical. The repairs took many years, from 1804 to 1836. Work stopped for a while during the Mexican War of Independence.

In 1904, the church was given the special title of "basilica" by the Pope. A few years later, in 1921, something surprising happened. A bomb exploded near the main altar. It was hidden in a flower arrangement. The explosion damaged the altar steps and some windows. But the original image of the Virgin Mary was not harmed. A crucifix in front of it was bent, and many believe it protected the image. After this event, the image was moved to a safe place. It was returned to the altar in 1929.

Religious Buildings at Tepeyac

The area around the main Basilica has several other important churches and buildings. They are all part of the religious complex at Tepeyac.

Panoramic view of the Atrio de las Américas.

Capilla de Indios (Indian Chapel)

Old Capilla de Indios.

This chapel was built in 1649. It is believed that the image of Saint Mary of Guadalupe was kept here for a time. It also housed the flag of Miguel Hidalgo, a hero of Mexican independence. The chapel was built especially for the indigenous people to worship the Virgin. The foundations of the very first churches built for the Virgin are underneath it. Juan Diego, who saw the Virgin, lived here from 1531 until his death in 1548. His remains are also kept here.

Capilla del Cerrito

Capilla del Cerrito, Tepeyac.

This chapel is on Tepeyac Hill. It remembers the miracle of fresh flowers and the first time the Virgin Mary appeared. The current temple was built around 1740. Inside, you can see beautiful paintings by Fernando Leal. These paintings tell the story of the Virgin's appearances. They also show how different cultures and faiths came together. Today, a community of Carmelite nuns lives here. They take care of the chapel and pray for the world.

Tepeyac Pantheon

Entrance to the Tepeyac pantheon.

This is one of the oldest cemeteries still in use from the Colonial era. It is located on the Tepeyac hill, next to the Capilla del Cerrito. The cemetery was built in 1740. Many important people from Mexican history are buried here. These include writers, architects, and even a former president, Antonio López de Santa Anna. The Tepeyac Pantheon is a protected national historical monument.

Capilla del Pocito

Capilla del Pocito

This unique chapel is near the eastern side of Tepeyac Hill. It was built between 1777 and 1791. It stands over a well whose water was thought to be miraculous. Many sick people came to drink or wash their wounds here. This caused health problems, so the chapel was built to control the crowds and prevent infections.

This small chapel is known for its beautiful Baroque style. It has a special circular shape, which is rare for churches built in Mexico during the 18th century. This shape makes the space feel like it's slowly revealing itself as you walk through. The dome has a zigzag pattern and the windows have interesting shapes. These details create a sense of gentle movement. The little angels painted on the dome hold symbols of the Virgin Mary. An important wooden pulpit inside is supported by a figure of Juan Diego.

In 1815, the Mexican independence fighter José María Morelos was allowed to pray here. It was his last wish before he was executed nearby.

Temple and Convent of Las Capuchinas

Temple and convent of Las Capuchinas.

This temple and convent are located next to the Old Basilica. It was built between 1792 and 1797. It was used by Capuchin nuns. This convent has often housed the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This happened when the main church was closed for repairs or remodeling. The building has had some issues with sinking into the ground. Special work was done to fix this between 1976 and 1982.

Museum and Archives

The Basilica of Guadalupe has a rich history. It has a special archive with old documents. It also has a music archive with many scores from different countries. The Lorenzo Boturini Theological Library is also here. It has over 22,000 books.

The Guadalupe Basilica Museum opened in 1941. It is in the north wing of the Las Capuchinas Convent. The museum has a large collection of art from the time of New Spain. This includes paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. Many famous painters from that era have works here. The museum also has over 2,000 "ex-votos." These are small paintings or objects given to the Virgin Mary as thanks for prayers answered.

Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey (Old Basilica of Guadalupe)

Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey.

Interior of the Old Basilica.

Construction of this church began in 1695 and finished in 1709. Architect Pedro de Arrieta designed it. It has four octagonal towers and a dome covered in yellow and blue tiles. In 1749, it became a collegiate church. This meant a group of priests managed it.

In the early 1800s, the church was damaged by nearby construction. It had to be repaired and its inside was completely changed. The old Baroque style was replaced with Neoclassical designs. In 1904, the church was officially made a basilica by the Pope.

New Basilica of Guadalupe (Modern Basilica)

New Basilica of Guadalupe

First image of the Virgin of Guadalupe housed in the New Basilica

Rocío Dúrcal's crypt (a Spanish singer) within the crypts in the basilica.

The New Basilica was built because the old one was becoming unsafe. It also needed to hold more visitors. This modern building was designed by several architects. Construction started in 1974. On October 12, 1976, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was moved to its new home.

The New Basilica has a unique circular shape. This shape is meant to remind people of the tent that held the Ark of the Covenant in ancient times. The building is made of strong concrete. Its roof is covered with green copper sheets.

The inside of the New Basilica is circular and open. This means you can see the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from anywhere inside. The image is behind the altar, under a large cross. To help people see it better, there's a moving walkway under the altar.

Many important people have visited this new church. Pope John Paul II visited five times. Pope Francis also led a mass here in 2016.