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City Guide - Mexico City - Further Distractions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Further Distractions La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) In the northern suburbs of Mexico City, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, often known as La Villa de Guadalupe, is the holiest shrine in the country. Pilgrims come from all over Mexico to visit, often travelling the last few metres on their knees. It is built on the site where, in 1531, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared three times, in the guise of an Indian princess, to Indian Juan Diego, leaving her image miraculously emblazoned on his cloak. After investigation the story, the church authorities decided to build the shrine. The original basilica was built in 1709. When a large crack appeared and it began to sink into the swampy subsoil, a new basilica was constructed in the same plaza and consecrated in 1976. Juan Diego's cloak has been preserved and hangs in the church, behind the main altar. Moving walkways allow visitors to get as close as possible. The original basilica is now a museum displaying many representations of the image on the cloak. Plaza Hidalgo 1, Colonia Villa de Guadalupe Tel: (5) 577 6022. Website: www.spin.com.mx/~msalazar Transport: Metro La Villa or buses marked 'La Villa'. Opening hours: Daily 0600-2000 (basilica); Tues-Sun 1000-1800 (museum). Admission: Free (basilica); M$5 (museum). |
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