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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Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

 

Outside the Mexican flag, the most pervasive image found across all of Mexico has to be that of the Virgin Mary or Our Lady of Guadalupe. On my first ever visit across town to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, I came across this image of the Virgin in a lovely baroque structure on the back side of the grounds called the Templo del Pocito. As the story goes, it was on the site where the old basilica was built that Juan Diego first saw the Virgin in 1531. After three subsequent visits by the Virgin, the church finally accepted Juan Diego's accounts. In the mid-18th century, the Virgin was officially declared the patron of Mexico. In the weeks to come, I'll add other images of the Virgin that I have found in my travels around the city.

 

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People on the Street 3

Squatting just outside the Metropolitan Cathedral, this gentleman is clearly deep in thought or study. For many in Mexico, visiting the eglisia or cathedral, in this case, is a daily practice. The importance of faith to many cannot be understated. Prayer and devotion are central values practiced by the Catholic faithful in Mexico. As in this case, it does appear that older individuals are those who you most often see practicing their faith with daily visits to their local places of worship.

 

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A Bird's Eye View of the Cathedral

One of my favorite early evening activities is having a nice cold cerveza in the bar at the Majestic Hotel. High above the Zocalo, you have one of the best views in the city center and of the cathedral. For only about $3, enjoy an afternoon beer while watching the late day light change on the stones of the cathedral. Grab a table by the window for a drink or have dinner on the terrace. There is no better place in the city to quietly unwind and brush off the dust from a full day of trekking around DF seven stories above the crowds below.

 

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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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For Whom The Bell Tolls

When in DF, take the time and pay the small admission fee (about $1 US) to climb the narrow steps in the 16th century Catedral Metropolitana up to the bell tower. At the top, the view is great! After a short introduction (in Spanish) about the bells and towers, the real show is the striking of the bells on the hour.

 

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"The Lady Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks!"

 

Quoting Shakespeare's Hamlet seemed most appropriate here. Whether through large rallies in the Zocalo or by smaller groups of individuals, there is a rich tradition of protests or demonstrations in DF. Here, this lively character is decrying the intrusion of the church into public education. Our nun's calculated location for this protest? Right in front of the Mexico City Cathedral. How fitting!

 

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Plaza Santo Domingo

Plaza Santo Domingo

 

Just two blocks north of the cathedral and the Zocalo is one of my favorite squares in Mexico City - Plaza Santo Domingo. In addition to simply being a picturesque spot for sitting and watching people, this square is the spot to go to if you need anything printed from First Communion and wedding invitations to business cards. Further, the square is surrounded by historical buildings from the 16th century Iglesia de Santo Domingo, the Secretaría de Educación Pública (loaded with great Diego Rivera murals), and the Palacio de la Inquisición which served as the headquarters for the Holy Inquisition in Mexico in the 1700s.

Historical Drawing of the Plaza

 

 

 

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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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The Small Churches Are The Most Beautiful!

 

One of my favorite things about traveling is simply strolling the streets and neighborhoods of a city without any particular destination in mind. While walking through San Angel, just a few steps away from Plaza San Jacinto, I came upon the Iglesia de San Jacinto. Thus small baroque church dates from the 16th century. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it is the perfect setting for a few minutes of reflection or, as I found it, a popular location for Saturday weddings. Thus is also one of the few remaining neighborhoods in DF with cobblestone paved streets. No wonder Diego and Frida chose this area as home!

 

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The Grand Dame of Mexico City

 

No visit to Mexico City is complete without visiting its great cathedral. Located on the north side of the Zocalo, the cathedral is without doubt the centerpiece of the capital. Now, and for more than four centuries, the cathedral has served the people of DF as the heart and soul of their faith.

Inside the Cathedral

 

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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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