Are 200 years a long time or a short time? That's how long it takes to build a basilica for the most revered saint in the city, or perhaps in the entire country.

This is how long the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan in the state of Jalisco lasted.

The inhabitants of Zapopan probably spent this time praying and worshipping the saint. Although the exact reason is unknown. Nevertheless, two hundred years later, the residents and numerous tourists saw an incredibly beautiful architectural structure.

The fact that the work lasted more than one year, and not even ten, affected its appearance. The construction of the basilica began in 1689. The original project was rejected and redone. After a while, the work resumed. As soon as you see the basilica, you will understand why it was built for so long. There are the basilica itself, the abbey, living quarters for ministers, gardens for meditation, and a seminary.

The building turned out to be very majestic. The main entrance is significantly different from the other part of the building. It is made of gray stone in the Baroque style and is a bit gloomy. If you suddenly become bored in the service, you can glance around and look at works of art. There are paintings by Spanish artists and a variety of bronze sculptures.

For locals, the main thing in this basilica is the sculpture of the Virgin Mary: a wooden statue in blue vestments with golden decorations. The saint stands on a large blue crescent. Residents of Zapopan believe that the Virgin Mary protects them from natural disasters and protects the independence of Mexico. The Virgin Mary was proclaimed the patroness of the state of Jalisco after the country gained independence in 1821.

There is a legend among the locals that it was the Virgin Mary in a blue dress who came to the aid of a Mexican in 1821 when the country was defending independence.

Another advantage of the basilica: you can hide from the scorching sun in it.