Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, Pátzcuaro

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Salud is a colonial-era church building in baroque style located at Plaza de la Basílica in Pátzcuaro. Inside, a central barrel-vaulted nave leads to a pentagonal chapel, with additional side chapels arranged throughout in New Spanish Baroque design.

Construction began in 1540 under Bishop Vasco de Quiroga on the site of a former Purépecha pyramid. The building served as the regional cathedral until 1580, when the bishop moved to a new location.

The venerated image of Our Lady of Health, crafted from corn paste by Purépecha artisans in the 16th century, draws pilgrims who come to pray before this local holy figure. Visitors can observe devotional practices and see the offerings left by those seeking intercession.

The basilica sits at the edge of the old town center on a main plaza, within easy walking distance of the waterfront and market areas. Visitors should allow eyes to adjust to the dim interior and expect to move around people who spend considerable time in prayer and devotion.

Visitors leave small tin figurines shaped like body parts or organs as votive offerings for healing, with devotees sometimes crawling on their knees through the plaza and nave. These personal offerings accumulate throughout the building, creating a visible record of prayers and hopes left across generations.