The Basilica Of Guadalupe

The Basilica Of Guadalupe

Where?

Mexico!

Mexico City

More about the location

• Before getting independence in the early 19th century, the city was under Spanish rule for three centuries. So it has an impression of Spanish culture.
• The great majority of the residents in Mexico City are Roman Catholic and it is also home to large communities of immigrants.
• The city can be easily divided into middle and high-class area (south and west, including Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, Ciudad Satelite, Jardines del Pedregal and Santa Fe) and a lower class area to the east (Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, Pantitlan, Chalco and Moctezuma).
• Though there are some problems about economic, social concerns and unemployment, the city still continues to grow as an impressive city in the world.

Fun facts about the location

About Basilica of Guadalupe

Who is it even named after?

The Church is named after the Virgin Mary, otherwise known as

Our Lady of Guadalupe

History about the building

• The building was built on the site where Juan Diego met - according to stories- The Virgin Mary ( Our Lady Of Guadalupe).
• The building was built in December 12 1531

Fun Facts

• Basillica Of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most visited shrine in the world

Explaining the painting itself

fun facts:

Elevation: 7,382' (2,250 m)

Area: 573 mi² (1,485 km²)

Founded: August 13, 1521

Weather: 72°F (22°C), Wind N at 10 mph (16 km/h), 35% Humidity

• Mexico City is geographically located in the Valley of Mexico. This valley, also known as the Valley of the Damned is a large valley in the high plateaus at the center of Mexico.

• Though there are some problems about economic, social concerns and unemployment, the city still continues to grow as an impressive city in the world.

Why is it such a big deal?

• The original miraculous apron containing the image of the Virgin hangs behind bullet-proof glass above the altar in the new basilica.

• The picture is of a woman with olive skin, rather than the white skin of European images, which has appealed to both indigenous Mexicans and their mestizo descendants.

• Some textile experts have said that they cannot understand how the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been conserved since 1531, exposed to dust, heat, humidity, and even a bomb without wearing down and without discoloration.

• Whatever the true origins of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, such questions have had no effect on the devotion it inspires. In fact, author Gary Wills has remarked that "its authority just grows as its authenticity diminishes."

• The pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe is extremely popular. Some pilgrims crawl on their knees for miles as they approach the basilica before praying to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Pilgrims arrive year-round but millions flock to the shrine on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• Millions of pilgrims come to the shrine, many on their knees, and there are various kinds of music and dancers.

• The picture is of a woman with olive skin, rather than the white skin of European images, which has appealed to both indigenous Mexicans and their mestizo descendants.

• Next door to the new basilica is the more attractive Antigua Basilica (old basilica), which dates from 1536, with various additions made over the years.

• The basilica now houses a museum of ex-votos (hand-painted depictions of miracles, dedicated to Mary or a saint in gratitude) and popular religious art, paintings, sculpture, and decorative and applied arts from the 15th through 18th centuries.