The most important Basilica in Costa Rica, it was built between 1912 and 1924 on the same grounds where the old building stood. Every year between the last week of July and August 1st many people walk from their hometown to Cartago to celebrate La Virgen de Los Angeles((La Negrita), a mass takes place on August 2nd for the 2 million+ attendees.

A beautiful basilica with lovely architecture & a marvellous interior with high wooden ceiling & dome. A lovely place to spend some time in a place steeped in Costa Rican culture. Highly recommended.

Each country has its own history and beliefs. For Costa Ricans, this Basilica means the heart of most of its citizens. There are hundreds of thousands of stories of faith within the walls of this beautiful Basilica and every August 2nd means a compulsory pilgrimage to fulfill a promise made to the " Negrita de los Angeles". I myself can assert that I have received a couple of miracles from the patrona de Costa Rica .🇨🇷 Things I thought I could not accomplish were certainly reached thanks to the faith I have on the Mother of the Lord. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful buildings I have visited in my life. People come from other countries to witness the faithful pay a promise or to pay a promise themselves. Located in the heart of the Cartago province, the Basilica de los Angeles is a place everyone visiting Costa Rica 🇨🇷 should stop by to learn and understand the Costa Rican culture.

Probably the most important church in Costa Rica culturally and religiously for Catholics. Built first in 19th century and rebuilt after destruction by earthquakes were presumably a native woman found a stone related to the Virgin Mary. The current building was built to withstand earthquakes in early 20th century. It is very beautiful as a building and inside. Behind the church is a spring of water believers think it is holy with healing powers. In front of the Basilica there is a large square to accommodate visitors during visiting season. Presumably up to 1.5 Millions may show up. Do not miss it if in Costa Rica.

A very spiritual and peaceful place full of good energy. full of hope that prayers will be answered.

Beautiful. Moving. Nice that it's free to get the water and see the church history of the miracles that have happened as a result of the Virgen. Would be nice if the church were to sell and profit from the containers that hold the blessed water and relica like rosaries. Cost $46 for 8 bracelets which was really really high, and who knows if they're even blessed. Does not make me feel good when go to a blessed place and have vendors profiting from the religious moment by selling religious items. Good food across the street to go to once done touring. Yes, another vendor, but different vibe when supportive vs taking advantage of the situation. Also, had to go to outside vendors to buy the containers for water.

Beautiful church. My visit was well worth it. I learned a lot on this visit. I even attended a service. Was given a sovernior that I will always cherish.

Amazing story as told by our tour guide. Definitely safe to drink their water (at least for me). Read their story. Buy the little bottles and bring some home - whether catholic or not, whether you believe or not , it will make for a great story to share. We visited for a few minutes after their annual celebration. As a tourist , don’t visit during their early celebration since it is my understanding close to 2 million people visit during their celebration so it gets overwhelming.

Even if you are not religious, the church is a beautiful place to visit with the architecture, paintings, and stained glass work. There is a small history of the church in the basement, and you can collect holy water from the cisterns outdoors. It's definitely a must-see in Costa Rica. The deep energy of the place definitely moves you.

Good experience to have in Cartago if you need a rest stop from the horrible traffic. Don't get scammed for parking - on the street parking is free

It's beautiful inside. Take the time to enjoy it.

What a beautiful place to visit, oddly entire time visiting Costa Rica and multiple churches never seen anyone but church visitors. What happened to the clergy and nuns?

This church has a beautiful bright inside and it is huge.

A surreal experience without needing to be Catholic.

Very beautiful and a holy place for Costa Rica.Drink Holy water fountain.Its same as Aparecida in Brazil or Guadalupe in México.

Very organized, during the anniversary celebration a lot Of volunteers made the flow go smoothly, kindness and friendly people with a lot of devotion to our Lady of Los Angeles

Beautiful historic church. Parking is very limited, especially during church hours.

Main Catholic Cathedral in honor to Los Angeles Virgen Mary, patroness of Costa Rica. Every year on August 2, pilgrims from all over the country visit this Sanctuary giving thanks or asking for special favors. If you enjoy Christian arquitecture, you have to visit this amazing church. You can go in for free at any time of the year.

Beautiful church with an amazing story. Unfortunately we could not see the virgin statue (was closed), but the church itself is very impressive (inside and out).

We drove through the city during the Virgen de los Angeles celebration. We were able to see the outside of the basilica but the wait to get in was unbelievable. The architecture was stunning and the experience will never be forgotten. Costa Rican culture has imprinted on me for a lifetime and I have so much respect for the amount of pride each citizen holds for their country. Flowers have been planted across country to beautify the landscape. Power in numbers is on full display and I cannot wait to go back.

Very interesting history and sacred place.

Must see! Beautiful Church and sanctuary

One of the most Holy and beautiful places in the World, Holy Mother of Los Ángeles Sanctuary

Chill place, around there are a lot of restaurants. Nice people.

Beautiful Landmark..The park right next to it is beautiful too

A really beautiful church with a great story. Take your time to read up on it. It's a very important religious place for a lot if Costa Ricans

This is a wonderful church. It looks like a rich forest especially when the sun pours in; then it shines with gold. The pillars are offset from one another which gives complexity. It is one of the churches that I have liked best in my lifetime, and I visit churches wherever I go.

It's a must if you travel to Costa Rica, a beautiful Basilica surrounded by a great view

Always is a pleasure to go to visit to La Virgen. Great destination for tourist even if you aren’t catholic

What a beautiful place to fall on your knees and pray ! The weather can not even be better in Cartago where LA BASILICA is located. The history about this place is so inspiring.

Amazing architecture and handmade craftsmanship.

It was a vert beautiful Church, maintained very well.

Beautiful church, went to the little museum as well, which was nice.

Very beautiful church

Beautiful Basilica with a religious relic associated with the Virgin Mary. The visitor center dedicated to the history and testimonials of the stone statue is located in the back opposite the main entrance. The Basilica itself is breathtaking with its vaulted high ceilings, stained glass, and other architectural and iconographic details. Entrance is free, but it is asked that you be respectful of the worshippers and religious services is progress.

The biggest church in Costa rica. The Stone of Mary still there.

Beautiful church with the most wonderful service and music! I got goosebumps hearing the music and everyone participated in singing. There is a little musurm showing artifacts on display and an area where you can touch and have some of the holy water that flows from a cave. There is English translation for the church information . Beautiful architecture!!

A must visit! After a day of hiking in the nearby national park my local friends insisted that I see this Basilica site where a young girl in the 17th century found a small stone carving of a young woman. Despite locking it away in a small box, it would still reappear to her in the forest nearby. When she brought it to a Spanish priest he had a similar when he put the small carving away. The church is pretty amazing and seeing all of the people that have left tokens of thanks to the Virgin Mary was interesting.

Beautiful historic church with deeply rooted cultural value within Costa Rica.Spectacular architecture and amazing decor and artifacts housed within. An area outside contains runnin water that has been blessed and you can purchase container to collect outside the church grounds. Great place for devoted Catholics to visit for prayer, or to embrace the past.

Beautiful Catholic church in Cartago with a lot of significant history. Worth the visit for tourists.

Beautiful building. It was also humbling to watch other walk on their knees in supplication. Wonderful experience.

Beautiful place must see.