the wandering chick
...Mexico City
overview
overview
sculpture garden
statues
temple
garden
arched wall
arched hallway
house of tiles
modern building
avenue

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. Sadly, I only had a day there, so we first visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its grounds, an overview of which can be seen from Tepeyac Hill. It's said that it was here that, in 1531, the Virgin Mary apparition came to a Mexican peasant by the name of Juan Diego. The image appeared on the coat that he wore.

The basilica is a Roman Catholic church and national shrine of Mexico. It houses the cloak containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Next we visited Plaza del Zócalo, the city's main square. Originally, it was a main cermonial center and has been a place of gathering since the days of the Aztecs.Today it is the location of the National Palace.

I am embarrassed by the quality of images that came from my visit there. Sometimes one will go all day not checking to make sure the camera settings are where you want them. On this particular trip to Mexico City and surrounding areas, I did not check. But yet, the trip was so memorable, I didn't want to discard the photos, salvaging as many as I could. So, please try to overlook the quality of the images and use them as a reference to what is to be seen in this magnificent city. And if you take pictures, check your camera!

A view from Tepeyac Hill
On the grounds of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The original basilica was built in 1709. When the foundation began to sink, making the building unsafe, a new church was built, from 1974 to 1976, next to it. Because the new basilica is home to the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, it has a circular floor plan so that the image can be seen from every viewpoint. After years of repair, the old basilica is open to the public.
The sculpture garden of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tepeyac Hill depicts the story of the apparition.
Also on the basilica grounds is the Templo del Pocito, a chapel.
The National Palace is the seat of government of Mexico. It's located at the Plaza del Zócalo.
The House of Tiles is also on Plaza del Zócalo. It is one of Mexico City's most precious treasures. Covered in stunning blue and white tiles, it dates from the late 1500s.
Standing tall at 148 feet is this victory column on the city's Paseo de la Reforma known as The Angel of Independence, or simply El Angel. It was erected in 1910 to celebrate 100 years of independence.
To see more Mexico destinations, please return to the Mexico home page.

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