🙏 Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (El Pilar)

About This Sacred Site

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is considered the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in history. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to the Apostle James in 40 CE atop a jasper pillar, making it the only Marian apparition to occur during Mary's lifetime. The current Baroque basilica, with its eleven domes and four towers, dominates the Zaragoza skyline along the Ebro River. Pilgrims queue to kiss the exposed section of the sacred pillar in the Holy Chapel.

Key Facts

• •Tradition holds this is the first Marian apparition, occurring in 40 CE during Mary's lifetime
• •The jasper pillar has never been moved from its original location
• •Two unexploded bombs from the Spanish Civil War are displayed inside the basilica
• •The Fiestas del Pilar in October is one of Spain's largest religious celebrations
• •Goya painted frescoes in the ceiling of the Regina Martyrum dome

Location

Coordinates: 41.6572, -0.8789