From the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is also known as “La Villa de Guadalupe” or “La Villa”, a very important place for the Mexicans and for Catholics all over the world. So I was really happy for having the opportunity to visit the place.
It was already past 3PM when we arrived but you still need one of those bolle sunglasses, or a hat, anything to lessen the strong glare of the sun.
As Mexico City was built on a lake, the old basilica is sinking. It is good that measures were done to preserve it, one of which was building the modern basilica.
Inside the old basilica:
The modern basilica is so huge that it has a seating capacity of 10,000 people. I visited La Villa on a Sunday and believe me, all the seats were occupied and many people were standing even outside the doors just to hear the mass. These photos were taken on a Saturday so it was not as crowded.
Inside the modern basilica:
The original Tilma of Saint Juan Diego hangs above the altar of the modern basilica:
If you want to buy some religious items, I advise you to get them at the store inside the modern basilica. They are better and cheaper than the ones sold outside. Well, maybe buy some just to help the sellers.
Then you can head to this area where a priest blesses the religious items. Don’t get too close else you’ll be drenched in Holy Water just like me.
The La Villa is so big but the tour guide didn’t give us time to explore so I went back alone. Will tell you about it in another post.
And these were the items that I bought from the stores outside the church:
