Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Catholic cathedral in Aparecida, Brazil.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida is a red-brick church on the Morro das Pitas in Aparecida, São Paulo state, built in Romanesque Revival style as a Greek cross with arms 188 m long and 183 m wide. A single campanile, the Brasília Tower, rises 109 m with a clock face and blue emblem, beside a ribbed greenish dome 70 m high. Inside, a blue, green and white mosaic panel stands above the recessed doorway at the far end of the hall.
Construction of the new basilica began on 11 November 1955 on the Morro das Pitas, starting with the north nave; the metal structure of the Brasília Tower was donated by President Juscelino Kubitschek. Pope John Paul II consecrated the sanctuary on 4 July 1980 while building work continued. On 12 November 2016 the Vatican made it the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Aparecida.
The name recalls a small figure of Mary that fishermen pulled from the river and that now stands inside for devotion. Families from all over Brazil come here to light candles and leave petitions, while pilgrim groups often wear traditional clothing and sing together.
The complex offers separate entrances for individual visitors and groups, so you can move freely on quieter days. On weekends and holidays the spaces fill quickly, making an early visit advisable.
The Brasília Tower's metal framework was donated by President Juscelino Kubitschek, and an elevator now leads up to a viewing platform in the tower. The 392 m Passarela da Fé links the new basilica to the old colonial shrine, and some pilgrims cover it on their knees.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,415 contributors worldwide.
