Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 3

From churches to museums to art galleries, it's difficult not to encounter Our Lady of Guadalupe. Including the Mexican flag, it is the most ionic image displayed in the most Catholic country.

This particular image of the Virgin immediately grabbed my attention due to the material from which it was constructed. The artist fashioned her image out of natural materials and gave her decidedly indigenous features. Most likely, this would have been how the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 rather than more European as she is often depicted.

 

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When in DF, I spend most of my time walking the streets in one neighborhood or another. I'll use the metro to get me to the section of the city that interests me, but from there, it's all on foot. Check out this article about walking around this megacity.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2013/feb/08/walking-mexico-city-dbc-pierre

 

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Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 2

Antigua Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Although many travel to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe for religious reasons, the student of architecture and history will equally enjoy a pilgrimage to the holiest of sites in Mexico City. The new basilica, opened in 1987 with a capacity of nearly 40,000. However, the architectural treasure of La Villa de Guadalupe is by far the the Antigua Basílica built around 1700. In the alterpiece, you can see a marble statue of Juan Diego. As you approach the complex from the metro station, it is the old basilica that one first sees. This is the same sight that prilgrims would have experienced after their long journey.

 

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A little of everything is to be found in Mecico City. Check this out! A naked bicycle rally!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-22831366

 

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Small Treasures Around Every Corner

On my visit to he San Angel neighborhood, I took a few minutes to stroll through the Casa del Risco just on the north side of Plaza San Jacinto. Throughout this wonderful colonial building now free museum, delightful objects and art appeared where least expected. This arrangement of flowers and the Virgin was just one of the treats the Casa had to offer. In a future posting, I'll share with you a photo of the amazing two-store fountain also found inside.

 

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A Long History of World Class Religious Art In DF

On my visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I ventured up the 100m to the top of the hill to see the oldest structure in this very large complex. To my pleasure, the old chapel didn't disappoint! The Capilla del Cerrito (Hill Chapel) is on the spot where Juan Diego had his vision of the Virgin Mary in 1531. Inside, I was treated to these wonderfully carved wood and guilt statues of the saints. In a small niche in the chapel, St. Jose, St. Joaquin, and Sta. Ana watch over their flock.

 

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At the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today's travel took me across town to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Antigua Basilica Built Around 1700

In all my travels to Mexico City, I had never visited this place so important to Mexican Catholics. Although it is just a short subway ride fom the Zocalo, it's not prominently mentioned in tour guides. It is a mix of old and new combined with beautiful gardens and sculptures that well deserves a visit.

Staircase Leading Up to The Hilltop Chapel Where Juan Diego Had His Vision of the Virgin

It is a peaceful place to wander about or just sit and reflect upon one's travels. For centuries, the basilica has been an important pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II visited here in 2002.

One of Many Beautiful Images of the Virgin

The presence of the Virgin is pervasive throughout the basilica complex.

From the Sculpture Garden

 

I was lucky enough to hear the choir in the new basilica today. Wonderful acoustics made the place seem like it was filled with angles.

Inside the Modern Basilica

 

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