Overview:

The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, located in Higüey in the Dominican Republic, is one of the most important places of religious worship for Roman Catholics in the country. The Basilica is most famous because of the venerated image of the Our Lady of Altagracia, and is the center for many Roman Catholic pilgrimages. The basilica is also under the patronage of the archdiocese of Santo Domingo. Visitors can explore the large historic church, attend Mass, and take in the beautiful art and architecture of this important place of worship. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is one of the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the city of Higüey, in the province of La Altagracia. 2. The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, a venerated image of the Virgin Mary that was brought to the Dominican Republic in the seventeenth century. 3. Built in the mid-twentieth century, the basilica has an austere facade and is flanked by two towers. 4. Its interior is decorated with religious murals and paintings. Statues of the Virgin and of the Saints adorn the basilica's altars. 5. The basilica is home to a notable relic venerated in the Dominican Republic, a veil attributed to the Virgin Mary. 6. Every year, January 21 is celebrated at the basilica as the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, a religious holiday dating back to the 16th century. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey, Dominican Republic, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and the largest church in the Caribbean nation. It is located in the east of the island in the town of Higüey, the capital of the province of La Altagracia. The basilica was built in 1971, in honour of Our Lady of La Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. The history of the Our Lady of La Altagracia, as the protector of Dominican Republic, started back in the 15th century when a peasant was walking in the countryside, and saw an image of the Virgin Mary in a tree. He ran and told the town’s people, who took the image to the church. This image was later declared as patroness of the Dominican Republic. In honor of Virgin Mary, the people built a basilica to venerate her. Work to construct the basilica began in 1971. The main architectural feature of the building is its red-tiled dome, which is said to be visible from miles away. Inside, there is an image of Our Lady of La Altagracia which is a replica of the original. The sanctuary also contains several chapels, galleries, a museum, and a library. The principal façade of the basilica is adorned by a bronze statue of the Archangel Michael. The basilica is a major pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics, where thousands of devotees come to pray and ask for a favor from the Virgin Mary. On the anniversary of Our Lady of La Altagracia, which falls on 21 January each year, thousands of pilgrims flock to the basilica to pay homage. The basilica is also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who want to experience its rich history and breathtaking architecture. Our Lady of La Altagracia is venerated in the Dominican Republic for her role in protecting the people of the country from natural disasters and illnesses. It is believed that her intercession and protection are the cause of the small number of earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes experienced in the country. The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a testament to the power of faith and devotion, and a symbol of hope and protection for the people of the Dominican Republic. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is the largest and most important religious shrine in the Dominican Republic. 2. It is located in the city of Higüey, the religious capital of the Dominican Republic, in the La Altagracia Province. 3. The basilica has its origins in a 16th-century chapel, which was built in honor of the Virgin of Altagracia, a revered regional religious figure. 4. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to the shrine to pray and venerate the Virgen de la Altagracia. 5. As of 2018, the basilica is visited by approximately 800,000 pilgrims each year. 6. The Basilica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a key site in the history of the Dominican Republic. 7. The basilica is inscribed in the Dominican Republic's national cultural heritage, and in 2008 it was declared a Minor Basilica by the Vatican. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.