Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana

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About Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana occupies the east side of the village's main square. It was built between 1669 and 1679 on the site of an older sanctuary to house the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, which drew pilgrims from across the Viceroyalty of Peru. The architecture mixes Baroque with Moorish influences, with white tile-covered domes and a large walled courtyard with chapels at the corners.

The image of the Virgin was carved in wood and plaster around 1576 by Francisco Tito Yupanqui, a descendant of Inca nobility who learned the craft in Potosí. It sits in a small chamber high above the silver main altar and almost never leaves its place: tradition says that removing it from the basilica would bring a flood of the lake. A replica is used in processions.

Next to the church, the chapel of candles is a dark space with walls covered in soot and written petitions where the faithful light candles. In front of the basilica on weekends the car blessing takes place, the vehicles decorated with flowers and ribbons and blessed with holy water and sparkling wine.

The basilica remains active, with daily masses, and receives thousands of pilgrims at the festivals on February 2 and on August 5 and 6. A small museum houses offerings and religious art objects; check opening hours before you go.