Patzcuaro, Santuario de Guadalupe

Pátzcuaro is a large town and municipality located in the state of Michoacán. The town was founded sometime in the 1320s, at first becoming the capital of the Tarascan state and later its ceremonial center. After the Spanish took over, Vasco de Quiroga worked to make Pátzcuaro the capital of the New Spain province of Michoacán, but after his death, the capital would be moved to nearby Valladolid (today Morelia). Pátzcuaro has retained its colonial and indigenous character since then, and has been named a "Pueblo Mágico". Pátzcuaro and the lake region it belongs to is well known as a site for Day of the Dead celebrations.

The construction of the Sanctuary of Guadalupe corresponds to the unique architectural style of the 19th century. It is a church of neo classic style. It was completed in 1832 and built by Sr. Feliciano Ramos, who came to Mexico from Havana, Cuba. He was the slave of a Spanish family, and obtained his liberty due to good conduct. He devoted himself to commerce and mule driving, by which he amassed a sizable fortune. To comply with a promise he had made to the Virgin of Guadalupe, he ordered the construction of a sanctuary in Pátzcuaro - where he eventually lived - in the place of a previously existing 17th century chapel. Don Feliciano Ramos died in 1830 and was buried in this sanctuary in 1842, after having first been interred in the Basílica.

The highlight of the church are seven sculptures representing seven virtues. Four of them are in the front of the tower and represent Charity, Temperance, Fortitude and Faith.