Basilica of Our Lady of Luján

Basilica of Our Lady of Luján tickets: which one to buy

The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján stands in the city of Luján, about seventy kilometres west of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and entry is free. It is the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in Argentina, dedicated to the patron saint of the country, and it attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Visitors can reach Luján by train or bus from Buenos Aires, a journey of about two hours.

The basilica's crypt, which holds images of the Virgin from around the world, and the camarín, the room behind the altar where the statue of the Virgin can be seen up close, are open to visitors. Luján also has the Enrique Udaondo Museum Complex, with museums of transport, history and colonial life, near the basilica. The basilica is active, with masses throughout the day, and visitors should dress modestly. Trains from Buenos Aires' Once station run to Luján, and the basilica is about ten minutes' walk from the station.

Visiting Basilica of Our Lady of Luján: what to see

According to tradition, in 1630 a cart carrying a small terracotta statue of the Immaculate Conception from Brazil stopped near the Luján river and could not be moved until the statue was taken off, which was seen as a sign that the Virgin wanted to stay there. A chapel was built, and the statue became the object of devotion. The present basilica was built between 1887 and 1935 in a neo-Gothic style, designed by the French architect Ulderico Courtois, with two towers rising more than a hundred metres. Inside, the basilica has a long nave, stained glass windows, chapels and a large organ. The small statue of the Virgin, about thirty-eight centimetres high, is displayed in the camarín, a room above the high altar, dressed in a blue and white mantle, the colours of the Argentine flag.

The crypt holds statues of the Virgin donated by many countries. The basilica was declared a national historic monument. The basilica's stained glass windows were made in France. The crypt holds more than a hundred statues of the Virgin from different countries. The basilica's facade is decorated with statues of saints and a large rose window. The towers hold a set of bells cast in France. The organ, one of the largest in Argentina, is used for concerts. The Plaza Belgrano, in front of the basilica, is surrounded by shops selling religious items. The basilica's side altars honour saints venerated in Argentina. Pilgrims leave votive offerings and plaques of thanks.

Basilica of Our Lady of Luján opening hours and the best time to go

The basilica is open daily from early morning until evening. The great youth pilgrimage, a walk of about sixty kilometres from Buenos Aires to Luján, takes place on the first weekend of October and draws more than a million people. The feast of Our Lady of Luján on 8 May brings celebrations. Weekends and holidays are busy. Summer, from December to February, is hot, and spring and autumn are pleasant. Allow about an hour for the basilica, crypt and camarín, and visit the museum complex nearby. The Enrique Udaondo Museum Complex, beside the basilica, includes the Cabildo, the House of the Viceroy and a transport museum with the first locomotive in Argentina.