church · Belém, PA
Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
A church of marble and stained glass inspired by the Roman basilicas, the heart of the Círio de Nazaré. Even outside October, the grandeur of its interior is impressive.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
The Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré is the most important church in Belém and the end point of the Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest Catholic processions in the world. It stands in the Nazaré neighborhood, facing Praça Santuário, and welcomes worshippers and visitors year-round.
The devotion began around 1700 when, according to tradition, a local man named Plácido found a small image of Our Lady on the bank of an igarapé (creek), exactly where the church stands today. A simple chapel and later a parish church were built there. The current building was begun in 1909, inspired by the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome. In 1923 Pope Pius XI granted it the title of basilica, and in 2006 it was elevated to a sanctuary.
Inside, the long nave is lined with columns and ends at the high altar. Marble, mosaics, stained glass and paintings cover the walls and ceilings, and the original image sits high above the altar, in the niche called the Glória. Outside, worshippers tie ribbons to the railing, and the square in front has palm trees and places to sit.
The sanctuary complex also houses the Memória de Nazaré, a space telling the story of the image's discovery and of the Círio, with robes of the pilgrim image and ex-votos. The visit to the church is easy, on flat floors, and works well for all ages. As it is an active church, Masses are held throughout the day, and silence and appropriate dress are expected.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to see the church at a relaxed pace; allow another hour if you want to include the Memória de Nazaré.
Best time
Any time of year. In the morning, outside Mass times, the church is emptier and the light streams through the stained glass. In October, during the Círio, the crowds are enormous and the experience is different: it is well worth it, but you need patience with the crowds.
How to get there
It is in the Nazaré neighborhood, by Avenida Nazaré and Praça Santuário. From Praça da República, downtown, you can walk along Avenida Nazaré itself, under the mango trees, in about 20 minutes. Many bus lines run along the avenue, and a taxi or ride-hailing car will drop you at the door.
Tip
Before going in, check Mass times on the sanctuary's channels so you can visit without disturbing services. If you have time, combine the visit with the Memória de Nazaré, which helps you understand the Círio.
A look at the place
Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
Is there an entrance fee for the Basílica de Nazaré?
No. Entry to the church is free. The Memória de Nazaré, a space about the history of the devotion in the complex, charges admission.
How long does the visit take?
About half an hour for the church. With the Memória de Nazaré, allow an hour and a half in total.
Can you walk there from downtown Belém?
Yes. From Praça da República it is about a 20-minute walk along Avenida Nazaré, which is tree-lined.
Can I visit during Mass?
You can go in, but it is best to visit between Masses so you can walk around and take photos without disturbing anyone. Check the times on the sanctuary's official channels.
Is it worth visiting outside the Círio season?
Yes. The church is open year-round, it is quieter outside October and you get a good look at the mosaics, stained glass and the altar holding the original image.