Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida

The building extends over 12 acres and rises 568 feet high, making it the second-largest Catholic church after Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Construction of this religious complex began in 1955 to replace the original chapel that honored a statue of Mary found by fishermen in 1717.

Each year the basilica receives around 12 million visitors, serving as the main center of Catholic devotion in Brazil and South America.

The basilica includes multiple chapels, a shopping center, medical facilities, and parking areas that accommodate up to 4,000 vehicles and 1,000 buses.

The central dome contains a cross measuring 130 feet in height and weighing 40 tons, visible from considerable distances across the Paraiba Valley.

Location: Aparecida

Inception: 1955

Architects: Benedito Calixto Neto

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Capacity: 45000

Height: 100 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: 06:00-22:00

Website: https://a12.com/santuario-nacional

GPS coordinates: -22.85093,-45.23384

Latest update: November 13, 2025 16:47