About Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in December 1531 to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert, on the hill of Tepeyac. As a sign for the bishop, roses bloomed out of season, and when Juan Diego opened his cloak the image of the Virgin was found imprinted on it. That cloak, or tilma, hangs today above the altar of the modern basilica. Juan Diego was declared a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
The round basilica, completed in 1976, holds tens of thousands of worshippers, and a moving walkway lets visitors pass beneath the image. Around it stand the older tilting basilica, chapels and the hilltop shrine where the apparitions took place. Every 12 December millions arrive, some on their knees, making Guadalupe one of the largest Christian pilgrimages anywhere. Dancers in feathered costume perform in the atrium, a vivid sign of how Indigenous and Catholic devotion meet here.
What to see
- Tilma of Juan Diego above the main altar
- Old Basilica of 1709
- Capilla del Cerrito on Tepeyac hill
- Gardens and Tepeyac sculptures
- Basilica museum
Visiting Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: practical guide
- Best time
- Year round; 12 December for the feast, if you can handle crowds
- Hours
- Open daily from early morning to evening
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Modest clothing; cover shoulders inside churches
- Nearest airport
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX), 8 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Use the walkway beneath the image without stopping
- Keep valuables close in crowds
- Masses run through the day; enter quietly
Festivals and special days
- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is in Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico, North America. GPS coordinates: 19.4847, -99.1176. The nearest airport is Mexico City International Airport (MEX), 8 km.
What is the best time to visit Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Year round; 12 December for the feast, if you can handle crowds
Is there an entry fee for Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Free Opening hours: Open daily from early morning to evening
What should I wear when visiting Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Modest clothing; cover shoulders inside churches
Which religion is Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe sacred to?
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship.
