The Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, more commonly known as the Zapopan Basilica, is a quieter alternative to Guadalajara Cathedral. Many tours—which typically include round-trip transportation—combine a visit to the Zapopan Basilica with a stop at the neighboring Huichol Art Museum, where you can admire artworks by the Huichol, Tepehuán, and Cora people.
Another popular stop for visitors to the Zapopan Basilica is the free-to-enter Museum of the Virgin of Zapopan, which displays many of the offerings made to the virgin over the years.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Zapopan Basilica, which is home to several artworks, sculptures, and paintings.
Zapopan Basilica is a must visit on October 12, when it becomes the site of a major annual pilgrimage.
The Virgin of Zapopan statue can be seen at the Zapopan Basilica between October 12 and June 13 each year, before she’s returned to the Guadalajara Cathedral.
Zapopan Basilica may not be fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Zapopan Basilica is situated just off the Plaza de las Américas in the city of Zapopan, roughly 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) northwest of Guadalajara’s historic center. While the basilica is accessible via public transit, Guadalajara bus routes and schedules are often sporadic and confusing—save yourself the hassle and take a rideshare or opt for a tour which includes round-trip transportation.
The Zapopan Basilica is typically open daily from the mid-morning to the early evening. On Sundays, the basilica opens slightly later than normal. The best time to visit Zapopan Basilica is on the evening of October 12 to witness one of Mexico’s most important pilgrimages. Throughout the day, faithful devotees walk behind the statue of Nuestra Señora de Zapopan as she’s carried from the Guadalajara Cathedral, arriving to the basilica in the early evening.
The Virgin of Zapopan—a diminutive statue made by Purépecha craftspeople from sugarcane, wood, and corn in the 16th century and sometimes known as Our Lady of Expectation—is considered a miracle worker in Guadalajara. Since being bestowed with the title of "Patroness against Storms and Lightning" in the 18th century, the virgin has been the subject of her own annual romería (pilgrimage) which takes place on October 12.
