Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, Modern cathedral basilica in Higüey, Dominican Republic
Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a modern basilica and cathedral in Higüey in the Dominican Republic, built with sweeping concrete arches. The structure forms a Latin cross when seen from above, and its main entrance displays a bronze door embellished with gold leaf.
The building was completed in 1971 and replaced a 16th-century sanctuary that housed the revered image of the Virgin. The new church was designed by French architects who proposed a modern concept for a pilgrimage site.
The title Altagracia means high grace and reflects the devotion that brings pilgrims here from across the Caribbean. Visitors often kneel before the small painted image housed behind glass near the altar, a practice that continues throughout the day.
The church is open to visitors during the day, and several masses take place throughout. Those who arrive early in the morning will find the space quieter before larger groups of pilgrims come in.
The bell tower holds 45 bronze bells donated from different countries. A hurricane once removed a central cross from the top of the arch structure, which was never replaced.
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