The Pilgrim's Path
To the Basilica at Tepeyac
The most visited Marian shrine in the world — where the tilma of St. Juan Diego has been venerated for nearly five hundred years.
The Sacred Grounds
Holy Sites of the Villa de Guadalupe
The New Basilica
Consecrated in 1976, the circular basilica holds up to 10,000 faithful, with the miraculous tilma enshrined above the main altar. Moving walkways beneath the sanctuary carry pilgrims slowly past the sacred image. Mass is celebrated many times daily, from early morning through evening.
The Old Basilica (Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey)
The baroque temple completed in 1709, which housed the tilma for over 250 years. Though it sank into the soft lakebed soil over the centuries, it has been restored and remains a place of adoration and prayer.
The Capilla del Cerrito
The Chapel of the Little Hill, built at the summit of Tepeyac on the very spot of the first apparition, where Juan Diego gathered the roses. Pilgrims climb the hill in prayer, passing gardens and waterfalls.
The Capilla de Indios
The Chapel of the Indians, near the site of Juan Diego's dwelling, where the saint lived out his final years in prayer beside the first hermitage that housed the holy image.
Practical Guidance
Preparing Your Pilgrimage
Where
Plaza de las Américas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City. The shrine sits at the foot of Tepeyac hill, in the north of the city.
Getting There
From central Mexico City, take Metro Line 6 to La Villa–Basílica station, a short walk from the shrine — or a taxi or rideshare directly to the plaza. Many parishes and tour groups organize guided pilgrimages.
When to Go
The Basilica is open daily, generally from early morning until evening. For the Feast on December 12, millions arrive — many walking through the night of December 11 for the Mañanitas, the traditional serenade to Our Lady at midnight.
Holy Mass & Confession
Mass is offered throughout the day in the New Basilica, and confessions are heard daily. Arrive early for a place near the sanctuary; check the Basilica's official schedule for current times.
A Pilgrim's Heart
Come prepared to pray, not merely to see. Many pilgrims approach the final stretch to the Basilica on their knees. Offer your pilgrimage for an intention, receive the sacraments, and bring roses for Our Lady.
December 12
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Each year on December 12, the Church in the United States celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At Tepeyac, millions of pilgrims gather through the night of December 11 to sing the Mañanitas to the Virgin at midnight, followed by Holy Mass. If you cannot travel, unite yourself spiritually — attend Mass at your parish and pray the novena in the nine days before the feast, December 3 through 11.