Basilica of Our Lady of Angels
Good to Know
The Basilica of Our Lady of Angels in Cartago, Costa Rica, is a historical and architecturally rich site dedicated to the Lady of the Angels. Steeped in local legend, it marks the spot where a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary was repeatedly found. This significant pilgrimage destination, rebuilt after an earthquake, attracts visitors year-round, especially during the August Romeria.
Located in the city of Cartago is the Basilica that is dedicated to the Lady of the Angels. Local legend says this all came about when a small statue of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus was found by a young girl in this city. The girl took the statue from the rock that she found it on and brought it home, but when she awoke the next morning the statue was gone. To her discover the statue was back on the rock where she had found it. The girl then took the statue to a local priest where he locked it up for the night. The next morning the statue was no longer locked up, but back on the rock.
As the Basilica was being built in another location various earthquakes led construction to a halt. It was then decided to move construction to where the statue was found in Cartago. Since being built in 1639 the basilica has been redesigned after an earthquake destroyed parts of it.
The Basilica is busiest during the month of August as many local Costa Ricans make the pilgrimage. This pilgrimage consists of a twenty-two kilometer walk during the Romeria. Upon arrival and during their stay, people will visit the rock on which the statue was found upon. It is here where they wash themselves and drink the water. Aside from the pilgrimage, the basilica is open and visited year round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legend behind the Basilica of Our Lady of Angels?
Local legend states that a young girl in Cartago found a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus on a rock. Each time she or a priest moved the statue, it mysteriously returned to its original spot on the rock.
When is the Basilica of Our Lady of Angels most visited?
The Basilica is busiest during August, when many local Costa Ricans undertake the Romeria, a 22-kilometer pilgrimage walk to the site.
Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of Angels located?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Angels is located in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica. It is approximately 29 km from San Jose.