Caacupé Basilica

About this place

Caacupé Basilica is Paraguay's most important Catholic pilgrimage site, in the centre of Caacupé, capital of Cordillera Department. It is a huge white building topped by a broad dome, dedicated to the Virgin of Caacupé, patron saint of the country, and pilgrims come from all over Paraguay, especially on 8 December each year. The architect Miguel Ángel Alfaro drew up the project in 1939, inspired by the great basilicas of the European Renaissance, and building began in 1945. An older shrine stood here before it. Pope Francis gave it the title of minor basilica after his 2015 visit. The site's fame rests on a small statue of the Virgin, which according to tradition was carved in the 16th century and survived a great flood. From the broad square, wide steps climb to a facade with three arches, topped by a half-dome with patterned glass and then the great grey dome. Behind the basilica stands a large statue of the Virgin over 12 m tall, raised in 2024. For the rest of the year Caacupé is a quiet provincial town among green hills. It is 51 km in a straight line from Asunción, an easy day trip. Crowds peak in the days before 8 December, when many arrive on foot, so plan for that. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly, stay quiet and do not take pictures during mass without permission. The viewing area and museum may need separate arrangements.