Part of our zoo tour, the visit to this cathedral is a must see. The virgin of Lujan, originally destined to go to Brasil, but ended up staying put and becoming the most worshiped in the country. The building is imposing.
The story behind this basilica is so fun and the fact that it's in the middle of nowhere (relatively speaking) because of the "miracle" just adds to the mystique. The Pope has visited! (not this Pope but the one before him.) The first time I saw this place I was coming by car from San Antonio de Areco and we made a right turn on the road and BAM-amazing! There she stood dominating the skyline and nothing else anywhere near the place. It's been recently renovated and it looks fabulous. There's really nothing else to see in Lujan...some museums and from what I've heard a pretty good naval museum but everytime I've been everything has been closed. The waterfront area is awful-dirty and terrible rusty old amusement park rides.
This is a Must See when You visit Lujan!!!Did you know that Luján is Best known for its' large neo-gothic Basilica, built in honor of the Virgin of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina. Every year, more than six million people make pilgrimages to the Basilica,[1] many walking there from Buenos Aires. The city is known as La Capital de la Fe (Capital of the Faith). It is a popular day-trip for non-believers too with abundant grill restaurants (like most places in Argentina) and souvenir shops with kitsch religious memorabilia.Furthermore, the Luján Basilica Church was designed by the French architect Ulderico Courtois and started back in 1889 and completed by 1937. Its' towers stand 106m high and it has a copper roof and bronze doors. The huge church towers over the surrounding flat country and houses the tiny 38 cm high statue of the Virgin. A large and important organ by French builder Cavaille-Coll stands in the gallery in a state of deterioration, although efforts are underway to see to its' restoration.I was very much Impressed with the Church and You will be too on your next visit out to Lujan, Buenos Aires Argentina!
Beautifel church. Able to wander around and take photos even though services were being conducted. Additional small fee for entrance to crypt of Virgin Mary but well worth the visit. Negative is that everything is in Spanish so you can't read about the history of everything
Though a Catholic religious site in itself, the Basilica offers all visitors alike the chance of learning about the history of the town of Lujan and its patron saint. There is a famous pilgrimage that takes place in October every year.Unfortunately, this wonderful construction suffers, at times, the threat of floods.
Beautiful inside and out. Confessionals were surprisingly in full view of passers-by. The high altar with decorations in gilt were impressive. Long walk across courtyard leading to the basilica. is probably used for gatherings of some kind. Didn't see any established parking places. We just parked at the curb. It was Christmas Eve in the afternoon and all was quiet.
Just a couple of years ago this church has been flooded, due to the overflow of the Luján River. Now the building has been restored to its original glory!After visiting the church, do not miss having a coffee at the Havanna nearby
breathtaking!:) only sad part was that i saw dogs roam the inside of the church and using it as a toilet.
Awesome view. Must seen inside too. No matter what religion you follow, this cathedral is a must to visit. Just watch the "car keepers" closer to the plaza. They can charge you 40 A$. If you park two blocks away, will not pay anything.
I visited this basilica as part of tour I purchased to Lujan Zoo. I had heard great things about this Basilica, but I have to say it just didn't live up to the hype.It was just okay...it's pretty but still nothing special. You only need about 15mins to see it. There are a load of souvenir stalls outside and not much else. Not worth going out of your way for.