⛪ Basilica of Our Lady of Luján
Argentina
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in the city of Luján, 70 km west of Buenos Aires, is the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in Argentina and one of the most visited in South America. The neo-Gothic basilica, completed in 1935, houses a small 38-cm terracotta statue of the Virgin Mary that, according to legend, miraculously refused to be moved past this point in 1630. Millions of pilgrims walk from Buenos Aires to Luján every October for the annual Youth Pilgrimage.
Key Facts
- •The statue of the Virgin is only 38 cm tall and dates to 1630
- •Legend says oxen carrying the statue refused to move past this spot, signaling divine will
- •An estimated 6 million pilgrims participate in the annual Youth Pilgrimage in October
- •The neo-Gothic basilica was completed in 1935 after 48 years of construction
- •Our Lady of Luján is the patroness of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay
Location
Coordinates: -34.5723, -59.1106
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