La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
In the northern suburbs of Mexico City, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, often known as La Villa de Guadalupe, is the holiest shrine in the country. It is built on the site where, in 1531, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared three times, in the guise of an Indian princess, to Indian Juan Diego, leaving her image miraculously emblazoned on his cloak. After investigating the story, the church authorities decided to build the shrine and the Pope is set to canonise Juan Diego this year, despite doubts over his existence. The original basilica was built in 1709. When a large crack appeared and it began to sink into the swampy subsoil, a new basilica was constructed in the same plaza and consecrated in 1976. Juan Diego's cloak has been preserved and hangs in the church, behind the main altar. Moving walkways allow visitors to get as close as possible. The original basilica is now a museum displaying many representations of the image on the cloak.

Throughout the year, pilgrims come from all over Mexico to visit. However, for the Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Patron Saint's Day), on 12 December, millions throng to pray and give thanks to the dark-skinned virgin. Some worshippers hobble on their knees to the church, while others dance their prayers in traditional Indian costumes with feather head-dresses and skirts in a festive atmosphere.

Plaza Hidalgo 1, Colonia Villa de Guadalupe
Tel: (55) 5577 6022.
Opening hours: Daily 0800-2300 (basilica); Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (museum).
Admission charge, free on Sun.