Sacred Basilicas Around the World
20 remarkable basilicas revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 20 sacred sites in the world's basilicas , connected to 4 spiritual traditions: Christianity, Santería, Hinduism, Mithraism. 6 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in the world's basilicas
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Explore Gaudí's Sagrada Família in Barcelona, a still unfinished basilica whose forest-like nave and story-filled facades draw visitors worldwide.
Basilica del Santo Niño, Cebu
Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu, oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, home of the revered Holy Child image and Sinulog pilgrimage.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, resting place of Saint Francis Xavier and a baroque landmark, with Mass times, feast dates and visitor tips.
Basilica of Esquipulas
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Esquipulas in Guatemala, home of the Black Christ, the most visited Catholic shrine in Central America each January.
Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, El Cobre
Pilgrimage to El Cobre near Santiago de Cuba, shrine of Cuba's patroness Our Lady of Charity, also honored as the orisha Oshun in Santeria.
Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, the Lourdes of the East on Tamil Nadu's coast, with feast dates, Mass times and pilgrim tips.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, home of the venerated image of the Virgin and one of the most visited shrines on earth.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, Argentina's national shrine, where millions walk from Buenos Aires each October to honor the Virgin.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is one of the largest churches on earth, modeled on Saint Peter's in Rome.
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre
Pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre near Quebec City, a historic shrine to Saint Anne on the St. Lawrence, beloved for healing and July feasts.
Basilica of San Clemente and its Mithraeum
Descend beneath Rome's Basilica of San Clemente to a 2nd century Mithraeum, a layered sacred site of Mithraism and early Christianity.
Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
Make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Umbrian hill church holding the tomb of St. Francis and Giotto school frescoes.
Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth honors the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary. A major Galilee pilgrimage church with art from many nations.
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built over the grotto where Christians honor the birth of Jesus, a highlight of Holy Land pilgrimage.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
Visit Las Lajas Sanctuary near Ipiales, Colombia, a Gothic Revival church on a bridge across a deep gorge, built around a revered rock image of Mary.
National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Aparecida in Brazil, the vast shrine of the black Virgin who is patroness of the nation, visited by millions each year.
Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, a Gothic Revival church with a deep blue and gold interior, carved wood and a celebrated Casavant organ.
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Pilgrimage to Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, the great domed basilica founded by Saint Andre Bessette, with votive crutches and city views.
San Thome Basilica, Chennai
Visit San Thome Basilica in Chennai, built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, plus nearby St Thomas Mount, with Mass times and visiting tips.
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the great Renaissance church raised over the tomb of the Apostle Peter and a focus of Catholic pilgrimage.