Virgin of Suyapa, Religious shrine in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The Virgin of Suyapa is a small wooden figure carved from cedar with an oval face and hands held in prayer, measuring just 6.5 centimeters tall. The site includes an original chapel and a newer basilica located in the Suyapa neighborhood, roughly 7 kilometers southeast of the city center.
Alejandro Colindres discovered the small wooden figure in 1747 while resting on Mount Piligüín after working in the fields. This discovery began a veneration tradition that has continued to grow through the centuries.
The statue is venerated by believers across Central America and draws many visitors especially on February 3rd, when people come to pray for personal intentions. This pilgrimage tradition has made this place an important center of prayer and hope for the local community.
Both the original chapel and the newer basilica remain open to visitors throughout the year. The location is slightly outside the city, so plan accordingly for a visit beyond the downtown area.
A group called the Order of the Knights of Suyapa protects the statue and accompanies it on journeys across Honduras. This dedicated responsibility reflects how central this shrine is to local believers.
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