Guadalupe is the home of the Virgin of Guadalupe - both the revered statue of the Blessed Mother - and of the still-living legend of how she came to be there. The Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe is well worth a visit. Take the guided tour - they run every hour or so. If you are out from the Parador Guadalupe (official name is Parador Zurbaran) in the early morning, go sit on the stone benches near the front steps of the monastery - you may be lucky enough to hear the monks doing their Gregorian chant off in some far, cloistered chamber.
Once a primary pilgrimage destination and known as the "Spanish Vatican," Guadalupe is now a town slumbering, simple and sweet, in its own peaceful backwater of nearly forgotten memories.
This is a place for resting and contemplation - and leisurely strolls through the narrow streets that radiate out from the central plaza in front of the grand monastery - and an evening bottle of wine while sitting at an outdoor cafe table on the monastery plaza.
