Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle is a Catholic national shrine located in South Texas on North Virgen de San Juan Boulevard. The complex features bronze statues, religious murals, and a carefully designed interior chapel for worship.

A plane crash destroyed the original shrine during a Mass service in 1970, leading to the loss of the structure. The rebuilt facility was completed and opened in 1980, marking a turning point for the community's spiritual place.

The shrine blends Mexican religious traditions through its veneration of Our Lady of San Juan, drawing a spiritual connection to the original sanctuary in San Juan de los Lagos. Visitors experience this heritage directly when viewing the bronze figures and religious artwork scattered throughout the grounds.

The shrine is open to visitors daily and offers regular worship services in English and Spanish. Guests can walk the grounds at their own pace, though planning a visit during cooler months makes for a more comfortable experience.

The site displays thirty life-sized bronze statues representing the Stations of the Cross, installed in 1993 for outdoor contemplation and prayer. This collection creates an uncommon artistic approach to religious reflection in an open-air setting.

Location: San Juan

Inception: 1980

Website: http://olsjbasilica.org

GPS coordinates: 26.19850,-98.15760

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:19