Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlán
A symbol of faith, miracles, and Baroque splendor in Tlaxcala
The Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlán, located in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, is one of the country’s most important Marian shrines and a stunning example of colonial Baroque architecture. Built in the 18th century on the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the indigenous man Juan Diego Bernardino in 1541, the basilica has been a pilgrimage and devotion center for centuries.
Its elaborately decorated white stucco façade, symmetrical towers, and ornate details beautifully contrast with the blue skies of Tlaxcala. Inside, the main altar shines with gold leaf, and the image of Our Lady of Ocotlán—carved from wood and believed to be miraculous—is the centerpiece of devotion.
More than just a place of worship, the basilica is a cultural landmark that reflects the religious, social, and artistic heritage of the region. In 1991, it was granted the title of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II.
