Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Frontino

The Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a church built in Gothic Revival style with elaborate stone carvings, pointed arches, and twin towers creating a symmetrical front elevation. Inside, the space features soaring vaults and columns that direct attention upward, while large windows allow light to illuminate the decorated interior surfaces.

Construction of the church began in 1922 following designs by architects Andrés Lorenzo Huarte and Daniel Puelles, replacing an earlier small chapel built from straw and simple materials in 1860. Decades later, it received official recognition as a minor basilica in 2010.

The church is a central gathering place for Frontino's Catholic community and hosts important religious celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can observe the deep faith of local residents through the constant flow of worshippers and the many services held across different times of the day.

Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the church is open and less crowded with worshippers. Since multiple services occur throughout the day, checking times in advance helps you choose between a quiet moment for reflection or experiencing an active service with the community.

The building was designed and constructed by Manuel Callejas Muñoz, a self-taught engineer from Frontino who brought the complex Gothic Revival designs to life without formal architectural training. His accomplishment demonstrates how local skill and determination created an important religious structure that defines the region.