The 20th Century Basilica at the Villa de Guadalupe

Abstract

The idea of a new Basilica at the Villa de Guadalupe in Mexico City, came into being because of the city’s rapid demographic growth and the poor state that the shifting terrain had inflicted on the Villa’s past structures. Among the many architects and engineers involved in the project, Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and José Luis Benlliue were the most important. The new Basilica had to represent the architectural avant-garde of mid 20^th Century, but could not stand out from the more traditional buildings at the site. However criticized for its modern look, and given the general opinion that although the building was “all right” it was not the right place for the Virgen de Guadalupe, time has proven its efficiency and the parishioner’s acceptance of it. The Basilica’s plan is circular, and the altar, located at the western tip, is visible from every angle. Its roof is a hanging hyperbolic cone, where western light bathes the altar, making the outside presence of this structure absolute. Inside, the building is also an amazing experience, because after crossing the perimetral ring a massive space opens up before us, where there is not a single obstacle. The image of the Virgin is the focal point of the space, and it is visible from every angle. Without a doubt, the new Basilica, —which opened its doors on October the 12^th, 1976, after less than two years of construction work—, is a milestone in Mexican 20^th century architecture. However, it is also true that its importance has not yet been honored the way it should.