La Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles

La Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles is easily the most recognizable building in Cartago, Costa Rica.

Just do an internet search on Cartago, Costa Rica, and images of the Basilica are the first thing to appear.

The Basilica draws hundreds of tourists every year, each impressed with the magnitude and architecture at this stunning site. I readily admit to acting like a tourist when I pass the Basilica and if you know me, you know I dislike coming off as a tourist. It’s just so hard to pass by and not gawk.

Brief History of the Basílica de Los Ángeles

The history of the Basilica is just as awe-inspiring as the view.

Legend has it that a Costa Rican girl out one day found a statuette of a woman holding an infant atop a large rock.  Happy with her find, she brought the statue home only to find it missing the next morning.

She returned to the rock to find the tiny statue once again where she originally found her. She tried once more with the same result. The girl decided to take the statue to the priest who accepted it, and locked it up. And the next morning–you guessed it–it had once again disappeared and reappeared at the rock.

Obviously, this was a great sign and plans were made to construct a church dedicated to the miracle of the virgin, affectionately dubbed “La Negrita” due to the dark color of the statuette

As construction began, earthquakes destroyed each attempt. As you’ve probably figured out by now, Costa Rica has a lot of earthquakes. Anyway, the people got the message and moved the church site near the rock where the virgin was found, and successfully completed. La Virgen de Los Angeles became Costa Rica’s patron saint.

Present Day Basílica

The Basilica stands at this site today. It’s located between Avenida Central and Avenida Primera between Calles 13 and 15A. It is one of two Basilicas in Costa Rica; the other is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception located in Tejar, which is also in Cartago.

Behind the Basilica, there’s a beautiful area where you can see the rock where the statue was found. There’s also a natural spring where they say the water has healing powers. The water is even safe to drink even though no filtration is used, baffling scientists.

The neighborhood around the Basilica is filled with a lot of terrific eateries, and some religious stores selling remembrances as well as containers to fill with water. You can also take a short walk to see the Las Ruinas de la Parroquia (the Cartago Ruins).

The Basilica has undergone many physical changes over the years. The color scheme was originally a cream and brick red color, later changed to the white and gray you see today. Most recently they’ve added a gold color around some of the white. If I may say so, I personally preferred the plain white.

The park in front of the Basilica has also undergone immense updates. Lawns once surrounded the Basilica with a fountain in the center. That’s how I remember it from my exchange student years, always passing through the quaint park on my way to Cartago, sometimes stopping at one of the many cement seats scattered about.

 

Now, the lawns have been removed and a massive area has been created. There are now even more areas to sit. I miss the old layout, but the new one is beautiful and just makes sense for larger amounts of visitors. It also accommodates hundreds for celebrations, concerts, processions at Easter and of course for August 2, the patron saint’s national day.

Inside the Basílica

Everyone is welcome inside the Basilica. There is no charge to go inside. Please be respectful of any activities that may be taking place inside. There are many services and weddings happening here.

You’ll be overwhelmed by the majesty inside the Basilica. The beautiful tile floors have been in place for years and years, and haven’t changed since the first time I saw them. I hope they never do; it’s familiar and peaceful each time I see it.

The statuette of La Negrita is encased in gold and sits front and center at the altar.

During your visit you’ll see many people in the pews that have stopped by to have a silent prayer. You will also see many faithful walking on their knees the entire length of the church towards the Virgin. This is to give thanks for blessings received, or to pray.

Off to the side, you can explore the small museum, and rooms that are filled with tiny charms, usually representing body parts for blessings granted because of certain illnesses. It’s a fascinating place to visit and should not be missed.

El 2 de agosto, Día de la Virgen de Los Angeles

August 2nd is Costa Rica’s celebration of her patron saint, the Virgen de Los Angeles. This is believed to be the anniversary of the virgin being found.

Celebrations begin the week preceding the 2nd. The faithful from all over the country gear up for their pilgrimage, or “romería” to visit the Basilica and see the virgin. People begin walking to Cartago from all points of the country–some from very far away–some even barefoot–finally ending up at the Basilica, where the church is overtaken by visitors.

There are concerts and activities the week before August 2nd in celebration.

August 2nd there are crafters and food scattered throughout Cartago and near the Basilica. This holiday is huge, and it’s also a lot of fun.

Closing Thoughts

Even if you’re not a church aficionado, you’ll be captured by the essence of this site. The amount of faith that has passed through here is reaffirming.

I’ve seen hundreds of tourists come through here, always all smiles. Not only impressed by the church, but also with the natural beauty of the area. Irazu Volcano is in plain site of the Basilica’s park, so beautiful especially on a clear day. The Basilica is especially beautiful at night.

Hopefully your visit to Costa Rica includes a side trip to Cartago. There’s so much to see and do in Cartago, you might even want to stay a few days!