#CostaRicapilgrimage

[worldwidexplorer]

Cartago, Costa Rica

The city of Cartago, Costa Rica is in the Central Valley, about 15 miles from the capital of San Jose. What makes Cartago so special? A relic at the church that dates from the 1600s.

Basilica of Our Lady of Angels, Cartago, Costa Rica

As the story goes, a local girl found the black stone statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in 1635 on top of a boulder. She thought it was a lovely doll, and brought it home. The next morning, the statue was gone.  The girl went back to the boulder and found the statue there. She brought it home again. Once more, the statue disappeared the following day and was once again atop the boulder.

Interior of Basilica of Our Lady of Angels

This time, the girl told her priest what happened. He took the statue for the night and the same thing happened. It was then decided that the statue was meant to stay on the boulder, and a church was constructed at that very spot. The church was built in 1635 but was partially destroyed by an earthquake. Today’s church is a mix of styles from the original and Byzantine styles.

Another angle of this beautiful, historic church

Pilgrims from all around Costa Rica visit the church every August 2nd to commemorate this event. Want to make a stop at Cartago on your next Costa Rica visit? I'm happy to make it a reality for you!

Until next week,

Marisa