The locals tell the story that as he was climbing the hill of San Lorenzo, a woman appeared to him and took him to a place where there were healing waters for the plague afflicting the population. That young woman was the Virgin Mary. She also indicated that they would find an image of her in an ocote tree, which came true. It is said that the Franciscans found a huge ocote tree burning but unconsumed, and when they opened it with an ax, they found the image inside.

The image has a splendid polychrome and gilded wood carving and measures approximately 1.48 m.

It is considered one of the greatest expressions of 18th-century Baroque architecture. It was built between 1760 and 1790.

The architectural complex is located on a hill. It has an atrium with a red brick wall with white joints that can be seen in its 26 inverted arches.

At the entrance, there is a sculpture of the Virgin with Juan Diego and a mother offering her child. This sculptural group commemorates the apparition of the Virgin.

The facade resembles a shell made of brick covered with white mortar, forming a splendid composition.

The twin towers have a height of 33 m and both culminate with a small cupola and a skylight, each displaying two forged iron crosses. They are covered with hexagonal bricks.

The main gate is made of cedar, and inside, the crystal chandeliers and the Retablo de la Pasión (Altarpiece of the Passion) stand out in a beautiful Churrigueresque style with gilded wood. The main altarpiece, located beneath the dome, when illuminated, recalls the flaming ocote tree.

In addition to the Virgin's Camarín (Chamber), located behind the main altar and featuring indigenous Baroque style, there is a perfect octagon with colorful decorations.