Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is located in Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, the capital of the autonomous community of Aragon. It is a Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, whom Pope John Paul II called "the Mother of the Hispanic People" and which is revered as the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in history.

Our Lady of the Pillar means "Our Lady of the Column." Legend has it that Saint James the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, was preaching in Zaragoza when, on January 2, 40 AD, the Virgin Mary appeared to him atop a pillar, instructing him to bring Christianity to the country. This apparition is said to be her only one before her Ascension into Heaven. The current basilica was built between 1681 and 1872 in the Baroque style. It has a rectangular floor plan, measuring 130 meters in length and 67 meters in width, and is crowned by four tall, striking spires that can be seen from afar. The church consists of a central nave, two side aisles, and two small chapels built of brick, making for a truly magnificent sight.

During the Spanish Civil War, three bombs were dropped on the basilica’s roof, but none of them exploded. Today, two of these unexploded bombs are hanging on the walls of the cathedral, serving as a testament to the miraculous story of the Virgin.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Must-visit reason: One of the most important churches in Zaragoza

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Spain[Spain]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Aragon Autonomous Community [Aragon Autonomous Community]

City where the attraction is located: Zaragoza [Zaragoza]