The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City receives more pilgrims than any other Catholic shrine in the world—over 20 million visitors annually, with millions walking the final kilometers on foot, often on their knees. The image of the Virgin that appeared on Juan Diego's tilma in 1531 remains venerated in the modern basilica at the foot of Tepeyac Hill.
📜 History & Significance
In December 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an indigenous convert, on Tepeyac Hill. When the bishop demanded proof, roses appeared in winter and the Virgin's image was miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma (cloak). This image—which should have deteriorated within decades—remains perfectly preserved nearly 500 years later.
The apparition transformed the evangelization of the Americas. Within seven years, nine million indigenous people were baptized. Our Lady of Guadalupe became the patroness of Mexico and later of all the Americas, her image a powerful symbol of faith, identity, and hope.
🥾 Route Overview
The traditional pilgrimage approaches the basilica from all directions. The most common route begins in central Mexico City (Zócalo) and covers approximately 10-15 km to Tepeyac. During the December 12 feast, pilgrims walk (and many crawl on their knees) through the night, arriving for dawn Mass.
Organized pilgrimages come from across Mexico, with some walking for days or weeks from distant cities. The route from Querétaro (220 km) and other traditional starting points draws millions of pilgrims each December.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
New Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe - The circular modern basilica (1976) housing Juan Diego's tilma, designed to accommodate 10,000 worshippers with a moving walkway for viewing the image.
Old Basilica - The 18th-century church, now tilting but still beautiful, which housed the image for centuries.
Chapel of the Little Well (Pocito) - An exquisite baroque chapel marking a spring that appeared during the apparitions.
Tepeyac Hill - The site of the apparitions, crowned by a chapel with panoramic views over Mexico City.
🕯️ Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12 draws the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. Millions arrive throughout the night of December 11-12, many walking the final stretch on their knees, to celebrate with Mañanitas (birthday songs) at midnight and Mass at dawn.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Guadalupe Pilgrimage.
