Convento de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Guadalupe (Zacatecas) is a mid-size city of more than 200,000 inhabitants that is a suburb of Zacatecas in the Bajio region of Mexico. Guadalupe has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand

Guadalupe was first settled by the Spanish in 1546. Prior to that, the area was occupied by semi-nomadic indigenous groups like the zacatecos and the guachichiles. No significant pre-hispanic settlements had been built at Guadalupe. For many decades after the Spanish conquest, settlers were primarily secular or military. It was not until the mid 17th century that Christian missionaries developed a significant presence in Guadalupe.

In 1678, construction began on the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe---the first major church to be established in Guadalupe. More would follow in the 18th century as the Franciscans built a hospital and college, along with more churches and chapels. The college was a significant training center for monks who would be sent north to evangelize in the northern territories of Mexico and what is today the southwest United States (then a part of Mexico).

At the end of the 18th century and into the early 19th century, mining and other industries were developed in Zacatecas and nearby states. At least 6 large haciendas were built in and around Guadalupe.

Get in

Fly to Zacatecas Mexico (ZTL) and then take a taxi to Guadalupe. A flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Zacatecas (ZTL) takes 90 minutes. Aeromexico offers 2 direct flights daily.

Guadalupe is a suburb of Zacatecas. It is about a 10-minute ride from downtown Zacatecas to Guadalupe and will cost about M$100 (February 2023). From the Zacatecas airport to Guadalupe is about a 30-minute ride and will cost about M$200.

Get around

If you stay in the historic centro, you can get around by walking, but Guadalupe is fairly large so taxi or uber will be the most practical options.

See

Inside the Guadalupe Museum

• Colegio Apostólico de Propaganda Fide de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - college built by the Franciscans in 1707 to train monks for mission work. Impressive campus with several sites worth visiting in their own right.

• Convento de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - oldest church in Guadalupe, established by the Franciscans in 1678

• Guadalupe Museum - huge collection of sacred art from the viceregal era including several famous paintings by noted Mexican artists of the time, hundreds of paintings along with sculptures, furniture, manuscripts and more. One exhibit hall is dedicated to the story of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

• Jardín Juárez - beautiful town plaza with manicured gardens, quiet family friendly atmosphere, views of churches, Museo de Guadalupe

Do

• Feria Estatal de Guadalupe - cultural celebration of the local heritage combined with a celebration of the town's patron saint, the Virgen of Guadalupe. Fireworks, regional food treats, artisans and vendors, and even matachines dancing in front of the church. First two weeks of December (culminating December 12, the virgen's feast day)

Eat

• 1 La Parrilla la Maria, Vialidad Arroyo de la Plata, Centro (Near Museo Guadalupe), ☏ +52 4921365387. 13ː00 - 21ː00 (closes at 17ː00 on Monday). Burgers, tacos, and stuffed baked potatoes. (updated Feb 2023)
• 2 Finca Santa Bistro, C. Independencia 28, Centro, ☏ +52 4929050613. 08ː30 - 18ː00. Upscale atmosphere like you're in a restored historic home. In-house bakery, fresh rolls at breakfast. (updated Feb 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Meson la Noria, C. 1910 6, Centro, ☏ +52 4929236601. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Barebones economy hotel. Dated facilities. M$700. (updated Feb 2023)
• 2 Hotel CH, Av. H. Colegio Militar Ote. 7, Centro, ☏ +52 4929210354. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Modern, clean hotel with updated facilities. Somewhat small rooms. Parking available. (updated Feb 2023)

Go next

• Aguascalientes
• San Luis Potosi