Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Baños de Agua Santa, Tungurahua
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa
The dark stone basilica in the center of Baños, a pilgrimage center to the Virgin of Agua Santa, with the interior walls covered in paintings that tell of miracles attributed to her.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa is in the center of Baños, facing the main park. The neo-Gothic building is made of dark volcanic stone with white details and has two towers. It is the center of devotion to the Virgin of Agua Santa, patron saint of the town, which draws pilgrims from all over Ecuador, especially in October, the month of the festival.
Inside is the image of the Virgin on the altar and, on the side walls, large painted panels that tell of miracles attributed to her: people saved from eruptions, road accidents, falls into the Pastaza River and illnesses. The paintings form a portrait of life in the region and of the residents' relationship with the volcano and the river.
On the second floor there is a small museum with religious objects, ex-votos, garments of the Virgin and pieces of the town's history. Outside, the basilica park and the surrounding streets have stalls selling cane candy, melcocha, pulled by hand at shop doorways.
The basilica remains active, with frequent masses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside mass times. In October there are pilgrimages and a lot of activity.
How to get there
In the center of Baños, on 12 de Noviembre at Ambato, a few minutes' walk from the bus terminal.
Tip
Read some of the miracle paintings on the side walls: they tell the town's history. On the way out, watch melcocha being pulled at shop doorways and taste it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa
What are the paintings on the basilica's walls?
Paintings that tell of miracles attributed to the Virgin of Agua Santa, such as rescues during eruptions, accidents and recoveries from illness.
When is the Virgin's festival?
In October, with pilgrimages and processions that fill the town.
What is melcocha?
A hand-pulled sugarcane candy, sold in the shops around the basilica.