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Church · Maracaibo, Zulia
Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá
The sanctuary of La Chinita, patron saint of Zulia, in downtown Maracaibo. It houses the small wooden panel with the image of the Virgin that, according to tradition, appeared in 1709 on the lakeshore.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá
The Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá is the main place of devotion in Zulia. There the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, called La Chinita, patron saint of the city and the state, is venerated. The church stands on the site of the former hermitage of San Juan de Dios, built in 1686; construction was completed in 1858 and it was remodeled in the 20th century to its current form.
Tradition holds that in 1709 a washerwoman from the El Saladillo neighborhood, named María Cárdenas, found a small wooden panel on the lakeshore and took it home. On November 18, the image of the Virgin is said to have appeared on the panel. She cried out "¡Milagro!", and the nearby avenue was named El Milagro. The panel was taken to the hermitage, where it remains to this day.
In 1920 Pope Benedict XV raised the church to the rank of minor basilica, and the image was crowned on November 18, 1942. In 2018 the basilica was declared the Marian shrine of Zulia. Inside, the panel is kept in a glassed niche, from which it is brought to the main altar during festivals.
At the Chinita festival in November, the image is taken down from the niche, and in the early hours of the 18th the faithful gather in front of the basilica to sing to the Virgin accompanied by gaita music. In front of the temple lies Plaza del Rosario, built over part of the former El Saladillo neighborhood, where, according to tradition, the apparition took place.
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
From 30 minutes to an hour, including Plaza del Rosario.
Best time
In the morning, outside Mass times. It usually opens daily; confirm opening hours before you go. In November, during the Chinita festival, visitor numbers are very high.
How to get there
It is downtown, at Avenida 13 with Calle 95, about 1 km west of Plaza Bolívar. From the northern part of the city, a taxi is the most practical option.
Tip
Then cross Plaza del Rosario in front of the basilica. If you go in November, check the schedule for the Feria de la Chinita and the early-morning events on the 18th.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá
What is the story of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá of Maracaibo?
Tradition holds that in 1709 a washerwoman found a small wooden plank on the lake shore and that, on November 18, the image of the Virgin appeared on it. The plank has been in the basilica since then.
When is la Chinita festival?
In November. The main day is November 18, with celebrations from dawn in front of the basilica.
Does the Basilica of la Chinita open every day?
It usually opens daily with extended hours. Check visiting hours before you go.
Where is the Basilica of la Chinita?
In central Maracaibo, at Avenida 13 and Calle 95, about 1 km west of Plaza Bolívar.