Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria

The basilica known as Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria stands in Candelaria, Canary Islands and is notable for the way its religious role and historical fabric have developed together. The principal Marian sanctuary of the Canary Islands, dedicated to the archipelago’s patroness and a major pilgrimage destination.

The present basilica is a 20th-century building by architect Enrique Marrero Regalado, completed in 1959. It continues a much older sanctuary tradition at Candelaria. The earlier venerated image was lost in a flood in 1826; the present image was carved in 1827 by the Tenerife sculptor Fernando Estévez.

Architecturally, the site is characterised by 20th-century basilica with canarian and monumental historicist elements. Principal Marian sanctuary of the Canary Islands and a major regional pilgrimage destination. Canarian tradition holds that a Marian image appeared on the coast of the Güímar valley before the Castilian conquest and was venerated by Guanches under the name Chaxiraxi.

The survival of this story is historically important to the sanctuary, but the circumstances of the image’s appearance are treated as tradition rather than proven history. Religious use and pilgrimage at the site include Mass, Marian prayer, and pilgrimage devotions. Important observances include Feasts of Our Lady of Candelaria.

Because worship, ceremonies and heritage visits can overlap, visitors should consult the official institution or the cited public authority for current access, service and visiting arrangements.