Free Photos of Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City

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The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an important religious landmark in Mexico City that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is a significant religious pilgrimage site for Catholics and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The current Basilica was built in 1976 and is located in the northern part of Mexico City.

The history of the Basilica dates back to 1531 when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a Mexican peasant Juan Diego. She asked him to build a church on the spot where she appeared and left behind an image of herself on his cloak. The image is known as the 'tilma' and is considered miraculous by Catholics. Visitors to the Basilica can see the original tilma of Juan Diego which is still preserved and displayed in the Basilica. The tilma is made of cactus fibers and should have deteriorated many years ago, but it has remained intact for almost 500 years. This is considered one of the greatest miracles in Catholic history.

The Basilica complex consists of two churches, the Old Basilica and the New Basilica, both of which are open to visitors. Visitors can attend Masses, visit the chapels of saints and light candles in front of the image of the Virgin Mary. There are also several museums on the site that showcase the history and importance of the Basilica.