⛪ Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto

About This Sacred Site

The Basilica of Our Lady of Coromoto is Venezuela's most important pilgrimage site, located in Guanare, Portuguesa state. It commemorates the 1652 apparition of the Virgin Mary to a Cospes indigenous chief named Coromoto. The virgin left a small image on a palm leaf, which is preserved as the national relic. The massive modern basilica, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1996, draws pilgrims from across Venezuela, especially on September 11th and February 2nd.

Key Facts

• •Commemorates a 1652 apparition of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous chief Coromoto
• •The Virgin left a small image on a palm leaf that is preserved as a national relic
• •Our Lady of Coromoto was declared patroness of Venezuela in 1942
• •The modern basilica was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1996
• •The relic measures only 27 x 22 millimeters—one of the smallest Marian images in the world

Location

Coordinates: 9.0333, -69.7500