Basílica del Espíritu Santo, Roman Catholic church in Plaza Güemes, Palermo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Basílica del Espíritu Santo is a neo-Romanesque church on high ground by Plaza Güemes in Palermo, Buenos Aires. Its Latin-cross plan measures 53 m long and 18 m high inside, with a central nave, two side aisles and a transept ending in three apses. Pillars alternate between masonry and Belgian granite, and the two towers rise 54 m.
A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, owned by the Figueroa family, opened in 1890. In 1894 the first missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word received it from the bishop as their headquarters, and a vice-parish was created in 1896. The congregation began a larger church in 1901, dedicated to the Holy Spirit by the founder's decision, and it opened in 1907. The building was fully restored in 2000.
The name refers to the Holy Spirit, and the number 3 of the Trinity is played against the number 7, symbol of the sacraments and the gifts of the Spirit. In the central apse a white dove in high relief emits rays forming the seven gifts, from Piety to Fear of God. Below, medallions show the seven sacraments and the twelve apostles ring the semicircle around Mary in the Cenacle.
The main entrance on Plaza Güemes is framed by a Calvary scene above the door; inside the narthex, the invocation "VEN, OH ESPÍRITU SANTO" faces the visitor. Two holy water fonts flank the doorway, each with an archangel: Michael with shield and sword, Raphael with staff, food and satchel. The coats of arms of Buenos Aires and the Divine Word Congregation appear beside them.
The central apse is framed by an arch inscribed with the first stanza of the hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus". Above it, a white dove in high relief emits rays forming the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, from Piety to Fear of the Lord.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,639 contributors worldwide.