Mexico: 5 Most Important Holy Sites to Visit During Holy Week
It is Holy Week, and there are many sacred sites around Mexico that anyone can visit as Catholics recall the events leading up to Jesus' death.
Mexico was one of the earliest countries to be Christianized by Spain after the fall of the Aztec Empire.
Mexico: Holy Sites to Visit During Holy Week
Here are some of the holy sites in Mexico that deserve to be visited by pilgrims during the Lenten Season and Holy Week. The list is a mix of famous sacred sites and some holy places you might not have heard of yet.
La Catedral Metropolitana, Mexico City
This cathedral is not just any Mexican cathedral. It can be found in La Plaza de la Constitución, one of the world's largest city squares and one of the most iconic symbols of Mexico City.
The cathedral was built on top of the Templo Mayor, the holiest site in the Aztec Empire, and its grand temple where human sacrifices used to be made. According to the Lazy Travel Blog, it is also considered the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America.
Talpa De Allende Pilgrimage Site, Jalisco
Considered a hidden gem in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Talpa De Allende has one of Mexico's most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year.
It is a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Rosario of Talpa, a statue that is said to have healing powers. Globally, it has been overshadowed by Virgin of Guadalupe, but it remains popular among Mexicans.
READ NEXT: Lent in Mexico: Vegetable Dishes to Try as Catholics Swear off Meat
Templo de Santo Domingo in Oaxaca
This temple in the state of Oaxaca is considered by many as one of the most beautiful churches in all of Mexico. According to the Sacred Wanderings, it is located right in the heart of the city of Oaxaca, and it boasts the over-the-top Mexican Baroque style. Its interior is filled with gold and intricate designs, while its Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario is considered its hidden gem.
Sanctuary of the Broken Christ, San Jose de Garcia
While the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil is considered the most iconic statue of Jesus Christ in Latin America, many think this hidden gem in San Jose de Garcia to be much more beautiful.
According to Atlas Obscura, it stands at 82 feet and is made of concrete and steel. While relatively new, being only built in 2006, it has already attracted thousands of pilgrims as the gigantic Christ statue features a "broken" Messiah with a missing arm and leg.
Legends say it was inspired by a priest who found a broken crucifix and promised to fix it. The crucifix spoke to him and explained that its appearance would become a symbol for those who feel broken or lost.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
We cannot talk about Mexican holy sites without talking about Virgin of Guadalupe or Our Lady of Guadalupe, right? It is perhaps the most sacred site in the Americas as it was built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared numerous times in 1531 to an indigenous man known as Juan Diego.
An image of the Virgin Mary, now known as the Lady of Guadalupe, appeared on the cloak of Juan Diego, with a local bishop, who initially did not believe the man, was finally convinced with his story and erected the now-iconic shrine. Juan Diego has been eventually canonized as a saint and is now admired along with the Virgin Mary.
READ MORE: Mexico: 5 Delicious Mexican Pastries to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe - From St. Paul Center
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!