Understand
Founded in 1563 as La Villa de Guadalupe, the area houses the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is at the foot of the Tepeyac Hill, where many believe that the Virgin appeared to St. Juan Diego canonized by John Paul II in 2002, making him the world's first indigenous American saint. The Old Basilica, which dates from 1709 construction began in 1531, began sinking due to weakening foundations and unstable ground in the 20th century; it was replaced by the New Basilica in 1976. The Old Basilica has since been restored and has now re-opened; both places celebrate Mass, often concurrently. Pilgrims from around the world flock to this space to pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe; framed above the altar of the New Basilica hangs the tilma apron of Juan Diego, upon which the Virgin's image was imprinted.
