Basilica of Santa Capilla, Gothic Revival church in central Caracas, Venezuela.
The Basilica of Santa Capilla is a Gothic Revival church in central Caracas featuring three naves separated by columns that support pointed arches throughout the interior. A central tower topped by a spire creates a prominent vertical element that defines the building's profile above the surrounding area.
President Antonio Guzmán Blanco commissioned this structure in 1883, replacing an earlier hermitage that had occupied the site since the 1500s. The new building became an important religious landmark for Caracas and reflected the modernization efforts of its era.
The structure remains a center of worship for the local Catholic community, shaping the spiritual life of the neighborhood through its religious ceremonies. Residents use it as a gathering place for celebrations and moments of faith that mark important occasions in their lives.
The structure sits at the intersection of Santa Capilla and Avenida Urdaneta in the heart of downtown, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors can readily explore other historical sites nearby while discovering the character of the surrounding area.
Pope Pius XI granted this structure the status of a Minor Basilica in 1926, marking a significant honor from Rome. This papal recognition distinguished it among Venezuelan churches and elevated its standing within the broader Catholic community.
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