Around the broad square are seven sacred sites including the Old Bascilica and the New Bascilica, a church for the Nuns, and several shrines and temples. There's also an interesting clock feature that has the aztec calendar, a modern clock face, and a "coo-coo" clock that opens to tell a story of the Juan Diego with animated wooden figures.
The City was built on a lake bed so the Old Bascilica, which was constructed from 1500-1700, sank significantly over the years, necessitating the construction of the New Bascilica in 1976. The New Bascilica seats 50,000. It has 7 doors, symbolizing the 7 gates of celestial Jeruselem. Under the main floor is a crypt with 15,000 niches and 10 chapels. The Image of the virgin on Juan Diego's cloak is now on display directly behind the alter. It is visible up close even during church services by a space on a lower level that is directly behind the alter. It has several short escalators that move back and forth so visitors can stop and stare and still move for others to see...strangest arrangement I've ever seen. We were there during a service. We all entered quietly to stand in the back, but then our tour guide called us together and spoke in a semi-loud voice about the sanctuary. I thought it was pretty disrespectful since it could have been done outside before we went in.
Old Bascilica
I did not take a crooked picture. The front of the building is heavier and has sunk much more than the center. When you enter the building, the floor is noticeably slanting toward the front doors, I would guess at a 20 degree angle. It was closed for a long time before they were able to install some additional supports.
Interior of old Bascilica
New Bascilica with 7 front doors
Interior of new Bascilica
Additional church at the Villa
At the Villa
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