- Address: Copacabana, Bolivia
- Year of construction: approx. 1601-1619
- Architect: Francisco Jimenez de Siguenza
A small Bolivian town of Copacabana , broken on the shore of Lake Titicaca , boasts a unique temple - the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. The building was built in Moorish style and appeared on the city map tentatively in 1601 - 1619. The architect of the beautiful complex was Francisco Jimenez de Siguenza.
The bright spot of Copacabana
The entrance to the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana is adorned with an open chapel, which the locals nicknamed "the chapel of the Indians" because of church services conducted for members of the communities. During the bloody war for the independence of Bolivia, the cathedral was repeatedly plundered, which caused many relics to be permanently lost.
However, the servants of the church still managed to preserve a significant part of church utensils and objects of religious life, the main value of which is the sculpture of the Virgin de la Candelaria. This statue of the Mother of God has long been considered as intercessor and patroness of the territory of Bolivia and its inhabitants. The glory of the miracles that the Virgo de la Candelaria created during her lifetime, spread far beyond the state, and now the miraculous statue is worshiped in different countries.
The Temple of Motorists
Frequent visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria are motorists, because the Holy Virgin is their protector. That is why every day in the temple there is a lighting of all kinds of vehicles. Seeing the car tuples near the cathedral, do not be surprised: this is not a wedding or other joyful event, just the owner decided to protect himself by consecrating his car.
Helpful information
The doors of the temple are always open to believers, so you can visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria in Copacabana at any time. Tourists can attend the service, pray and light candles. If you plan to study the building in detail, then read the schedule of services, so as not to inconvenience the prayers. A compulsory requirement when visiting the Basilica is the presence of a strict costume for men, a modest dress and a kerchief for women.
How to get there?
You can reach the sights by public transport . Buses No. 122, 124 follow the Colegio Principe Felipe stop, which is a 30-minute walk from the church. In addition, you can rent a car and by specifying the coordinates: 28 ° 21 '4.61 "N, 16 ° 22' 11.21" W, get to the place. Always at your service a taxi, which you can order to the hotel and just stop outside.
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