JALISCO
Heart of the Cristero Movement
Jalisco’s Iconic Landmarks:
La Catedral Metropolitana de Guadalajara
It is the permanent seat of the Archbishop of Guadalajara. Its construction began in the last third of the 16th century and in 1618 it was consecrated under the patronage of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mary.
On its façade, the three Renaissance portals are notable, surviving the subsequent modifications that the temple underwent after two devastating earthquakes suffered during the first half of the 19th century; one of which knocked down its towers and dome. For this reason, the cathedral presents a striking combination of stylistic elements, highlighting its high-pointed towers that over time have acquired an iconic value, becoming the distinctive symbol of the city.
Templo del Expiatorio
It is popularly known by this name, although its official name is: Basilica of the Most Holy Sacrament of Guadalajara.
This temple is a remarkable and unique building in the city; since at the end of the 19th century, the neo-Gothic style was chosen for its construction. Its author was one of the most famous architects of the time: the Italian Adamo Boari, author of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Correo Mayor in Mexico City. Its completion attached to Boari’s plans took 75 years, being consecrated in 1972. The Expiatory temple stands out for the exquisite workmanship of all its elements, highlighting the stained glass windows made specifically in France by famous craftsmen.
Basílica de Zapopan
The Basilica of Zapopan is part of the convent complex of Our Lady of Expectation, which is the main school of the Franciscan province of Saints Francis and Santiago, which covers large territories in the West and North of Mexico up to Texas. The Franciscan brothers of the order of observant minor friars are trained there.
The Basilica and its complex began construction at the end of the 17th century and retain the architectural character of the regional baroque.
The small statue of the Virgin of Expectation was made in the 16th century from corn paste by the natives of the province of Michoacán. The Virgin is also known as La Generala because it is said that she helped the cause of Independence. In 1821 she was decorated with a staff and the general’s sash. The great festive event of the Virgin is the extraordinary procession called “La Romería” which takes place on October 12, when the Virgin after a journey through the temples of the city, is transported on a stretcher from the Cathedral back to her sanctuary. “La Romería” has been inscribed by UNESCO on the list of intangible heritage of humanity.
Santuario de los Mártires de Cristo Rey
This temple was built as a place of worship to honor the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives during the armed conflict that took place between 1926 and 1929 in response to the anti-religious policies of the Mexican state that emerged from the Revolution.
Its construction on the top of the so-called Cerro del Tesoro, on the southern edge of the city of Guadalajara, began in the first decade of this century and represents an act of reconciliation and a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and peace.
This new temple attracts numerous national and international pilgrims. It is a place of reflection, prayer, and homage and also serves as an educational space where visitors can learn about this crucial moment in the history of Mexico.
‘Long Live Christ The King’
Places Of Faith Of The Cristero Martyrs
The Cristero conflict, also known as the Cristero War (1926–1929), was an armed uprising in Mexico sparked by the strong opposition of the Catholic Church and its followers to the anticlerical policies of the government of Plutarco Elías Calles. These policies, which severely limited religious practice and the power of the Church, led to a rebellion by groups of believers, known as “cristeros”, who fought in defense of religious freedom.
Santuario de San Juan de Los Lagos
Its official name is the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos. The people affectionately call the venerated Virgin “Our Lady Sanjuanita”.
The city that has grown around the majestic sanctuary built in the 18th century receives between 8 and 10 million pilgrims a year. On February 2 alone – the feast of Candlemas – around 2 million pilgrims arrive, making this sanctuary the second most important in the country, after that of the Virgin of Tepeyac in Mexico City.
It is said that in 1623 the virgin performed her first miracle by bringing back to life a girl, the daughter of some circus performers who were passing through that town performing a series of daring tricks. As a result of this and other miracles that happened to her, she gained fame until she reached the great veneration that she has today.
The statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, measuring just over 30 centimeters, dates back to the 16th century and was made from cornstalk paste by native artisans from the province of Michoacán.
Lagos de Moreno
Lagos de Moreno, like many other towns in Jalisco, was a center of religious fervor. The city is seen as a symbol of the Cristero resistance and the impact this conflict had on the region and throughout Mexico.
The historic center of Lagos de Moreno is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Temple of Calvary as well as several sites related to the Cristero War, where the Cristeros fought for religious freedom.
Santuario de Santo Toribio
The Sanctuary of Santo Toribio Romo is an important pilgrimage site in Mexico, dedicated to Saint Toribio Romo, a Jesuit priest and martyr who was executed during the Cristero War (1926-1929).
Santuario de San Tranquilino Ubinas
Tepatitlán de Morelos was also an important scene of Cristero resistance.
The sanctuary is an important place of devotion for the faithful who venerate San Tranquilino, a Cristero martyr executed in 1928 during the religious conflict, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Inside the sanctuary, there are images and reliquaries dedicated to San Tranquilino.
The Tree of San Tranquilino: The story goes that the martyr was hanged from a tree that is located in an area close to his Sanctuary. The tree is a symbol of San Tranquilino’s sacrifice and resistance. Visitors and faithful who come to the place usually pay homage and reflect on the martyrdom of the saint at this site.
Parroquia de San José Obrero
Located in Arandas, Jalisco, this is a majestic neo-Gothic church begun in 1879. Its pink stone facade, twin towers, and large stained-glass windows make it a regional landmark. It houses Latin America’s largest bell and features intricate interior vaults. A symbol of faith and resilience, it reflects the town’s deep religious and cultural heritage.
Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol
Also known as the Templo de la Purísima, it is a historic church located in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. Built in the 17th century by architect Martín Casillas, its facade features local stone, Doric columns, and a single tower. Inside, it houses a neoclassical altarpiece and colorful stained glass. A symbol of local faith, it’s a must-see for visitors to this Pueblo Mágico.
The Religious Tourism & Pilgrimage Specialists
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Tours Peregrinos Mexico has that experience, along with extensive knowledge of the religious-cultural destinations of Mexico. Our devout Catholic staff are multi-lingual, multi-faceted and highly prepared to assist you and your plans of pilgrimaging into Mexico’s religious corners and sites.
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