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Aparecida Essentials

Aparecida is Brazil's premier pilgrimage destination, centered around the Basilica of the National Shrine, the world's second-largest Catholic church. This collection highlights the city's spiritual core, including the 19th-century Old Basilica and Porto Itaguaçu, the 1717 discovery site of the Virgin Mary statue. Key features include the Passarela da Fé bridge, the Bondinho cable car to Morro do Cruzeiro, and the extensive grounds of the Sanctuary complex.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida

The Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica in Aparecida, Brazil.

B

Basílica Velha

Completed in 1888, this Baroque-style church served as the original home for the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida. It is linked to the new National Shrine by the 392-meter-long Passarela da Fé pedestrian bridge.

C

Porto Itaguaçu

The historical site on the Paraíba do Sul River where fishermen discovered the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida in 1717. The area features a chapel and offers boat tours along the river.

D

Bondinho de Aparecida

A gondola lift system connecting the National Sanctuary to Morro do Cruzeiro. The 1.1-kilometer ride provides aerial views of the religious complex and the Paraíba Valley.

E

Mirantedo Cruzeiro

An observation deck atop Morro do Cruzeiro, accessible via cable car or a trail featuring the Stations of the Cross. It offers 360-degree views of the National Basilica and the city.

F

Capela das Velas

A prayer space within the National Sanctuary where pilgrims light candles as offerings. The architecture includes a specialized ventilation system to manage heat and smoke from the constant activity.

G

Presépio

A permanent outdoor nativity scene featuring life-sized figures, waterfalls, and landscaping. It depicts biblical narratives alongside the history of the discovery of the image of Our Lady.

H

Sino Jubilar

A set of 13 bells located in the Sanctuary's bell tower, inaugurated to mark the 300th anniversary of the finding of the statue. Each bell is dedicated to an apostle or a saint.

I

Bosque do Santuário

A wooded park within the Sanctuary grounds featuring native trees and walking paths. It provides a quiet environment for pilgrims to rest away from the main crowds of the basilica.

J

Estação Cidade do Romeiro

A tourist and commercial complex for pilgrims, featuring shops, dining options, and a lake. It serves as the boarding point for the Trem do Devoto, which travels to Porto Itaguaçu.