Religious, Spiritual sights in Guadalajara
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A
Basílica de Zapopan
Zapopan’s pride and joy, the Basílica de Zapopan, built in 1730, is home to Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, a petite statue of the Virgin visited by pilgrims year-round. The faithful get extreme during the Fiestas de Octubre, when thousands of kneeling old women crawl behind as the statue is carried here from Guadalajara’s central cathedral. The kneeling pilgrims then make the final trek up the basilica’s aisle to pray for favors at her altar. The Virgin receives a new car each year for the procession, but the engine is never turned on (thus remaining ‘virginal’). It’s hauled by men with ropes.
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B
Templo Expiatorio
Across the street from Museo de las Artes is the 1897 Gothic Templo Expiatorio, accented by enormous stone columns, 15m-high mosaic stained-glass windows and a kaleidoscopic steeple. At 9am, noon and 6pm, a door in the clock tower opens and the 12 apostles march right out.
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C
Templo Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
Closer to the city center is the ornate Templo Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which was built in 1650; inside are several large paintings, crystal chandeliers and more gold leaf.
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D
Templo Santa Eduviges
The sanctuary at the Templo Santa Eduviges, built in 1726, is usually packed with worshippers and, during Mass, perfumed with clouds of sandalwood smoke. It's just south of the main market.
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E
Templo de Aranzazú
The compact Templo de Aranzazú is perhaps the city’s most beautiful. Built from 1749 to 1752, it has three ornate Churrigueresque golden altars and lovely ceiling detail.
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F
Templo de Santa María de Gracia
Six blocks east of the Templo Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is the fairly unremarkable Templo de Santa María de Gracia, which served as the city's first cathedral (1549-1618).
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