Locally known as Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, this Mexico City-based Roman Catholic church was consecrated in 1976 and has the capacity to hold 10,000 worshippers. The current basilica is built next to an older 16^th century church, known as the Old Basilica. The older chapel was built on the site devoted to a temple for Tonantzin, a mother goddess, which was destroyed by Spanish conquerors. Over the years, the simple shrine was expanded as newer buildings were erected on the site. In 1904, it was designated as a basilica. The sinking of the Old Basilica’s foundations led to the construction of the New Basilica located right next to it, with the original image of the Virgin of Guadaloupe housed there.

The new, modern basilica contains a number of interesting features, including a circular, 330 ft diameter floorplan so that the image of the Virgin can be seen from all points.  The upper floor of the basilica holds nine chapels, while under the main floor lie the church’s crypts. The basilica has seven front doors, in reference to Christ’s seven gates of Jerusalem.

The basilica and its sanctuary are always buzzing with activity, with prayer sessions held around the clock. In fact, at least 30 masses are celebrated in the sanctuary every day of the year. The grounds of the sanctuary include other buildings, including the Old Basilica, earning it the name of La Villa de Guadalupe or simply La Villa.