"Old" Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico·Mexico City·Primate Archdiocese of Mexico
The Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe, commonly known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is a prominent Catholic church in Mexico City dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her invocation as Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world, attracting an estimated twenty million pilgrims annually, with a significant portion visiting around December 12th, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The sanctuary complex includes the older church, now referred to as the Old Basilica, built in the early 18th century, and the modern New Basilica constructed in the 1970s to accommodate the growing number of devotees.
Key Facts
- ›The Old Basilica, designed by Pedro de Arrieta, began construction in March 1695 and was dedicated in May 1709.
- ›The image of our Lady of Guadalupe is traditionally believed to have been miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma in 1531.
- ›The Old Basilica underwent Neoclassical redecoration in the early 19th century following damage from the construction of a nearby convent.
- ›The Old Basilica was elevated to the rank of basilica in 1904.
- ›A bomb exploded at the main altar of the Old Basilica on November 14, 1921, damaging the structure but not the enshrined image.
- ›The modern New Basilica was constructed between 1974 and 1976 to better accommodate the large influx of pilgrims.
Baroque, Neoclassical
Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pedro De Arrieta, AgustíN Paz, Manuel Tolsá
About "Old" Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The "Old" Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, officially known as the Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey, is a historic church located at the foot of the Hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City. It is part of the larger sanctuary complex dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her invocation as Our Lady of Guadalupe, a site of immense religious significance and pilgrimage.
History and Construction
The construction of this basilica began on March 25, 1695, with the architect Pedro de Arrieta as its designer. It was completed and opened in April 1709. The church was initially built to house the revered image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is traditionally believed to have been miraculously imprinted on the tilma of Juan Diego in 1531. In 1749, it received the title of collegiate church, indicating it had its own chapter and abbot.
Architectural Evolution
The basilica features distinctive architectural elements, including four octagonal corner towers, fifteen vaults, and an octagonal dome covered in yellow and blue Talavera tiles. In the early 19th century, damage sustained from the construction of the nearby Capuchin convent necessitated significant repairs. This led to a Neoclassical redecoration of the interior, replacing the earlier Baroque style. The altar was redesigned by José Agustín Paz and Manuel Tolsá. Further interventions occurred in the late 19th century, including the installation of a new altar made of white Carrara marble, supported by Scottish granite columns, and a bronze vault, following the papal coronation of the Virgin in 1887.
Designation and Modern Role
In 1904, the collegiate church was elevated to the rank of basilica by papal decision. The basilica campus also includes other significant structures such as the Capilla de Indios, Capilla del Cerrito, Capilla del Pocito, and the modern New Basilica of Guadalupe, which was constructed between 1974 and 1976 to accommodate the vast number of pilgrims. Despite the construction of the New Basilica, the "Old" Basilica remains an active and vital part of the religious complex, preserving its historical and architectural heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Old Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe built?
Construction of the church now known as the Old Basilica of Guadalupe began in March 1695 and it was opened with a solemn novena on May 1, 1709.
What is the significance of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
The image is traditionally believed to have been miraculously imprinted on the tilma of Juan Diego in 1531. It is a central focus of veneration for millions of pilgrims.
Why was a new basilica built?
Continuing subsidence in the old structure and the growing number of pilgrims necessitated the construction of the New Basilica of Guadalupe. The image was transferred to the new building in 1976.
How many pilgrims visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe annually?
Every year, some twenty million pilgrims visit the sanctuary. About nine million do so in the days leading up to December 12th, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
What architectural styles are present at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe complex?
The Old Basilica exhibits Baroque elements and underwent Neoclassical redecoration. The Capilla del Pocito is noted as an architectural jewel of the Baroque style, and the New Basilica features a circular design with reinforced concrete and copper sheeting.
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