Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, Roman Catholic basilica in El Centro, Medellín, Colombia.
The basilica is a white stone building on the eastern side of Parque Berrío, featuring two front towers and a neoclassical facade with gilded columns. The structure combines solid stonework with detailed ornamentation and functions as an active place of worship.
The first church was built in wood in 1649, then rebuilt in stone and completed in 1776. It served as the city's first cathedral for over 150 years before that role passed to another building in 1931.
Inside, religious artworks draw visitors and worshippers, including a central painting of the Virgin of Candelaria connected to Spanish seafarers' devotion. These images shape how people experience the spiritual character of the space.
You can reach the building easily from Parque Berrío metro station, where regular services are held throughout the week. Visitors should try weekday visits to explore the interior in a quieter setting.
Inside is a German-made organ from 1850 that arrived by river and mule. This instrument shows how colonial craftspeople managed impressive technical feats at that time.
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