Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is one of the most spectacularly sited churches in the world, rising from the floor of the Guaitara River canyon near Ipiales in southern Colombia, close to the Ecuadorian border. The Neo-Gothic basilica, built between 1916 and 1949, spans the gorge on a tall arched bridge, its slender spires seeming to grow straight out of the cliffs.
The shrine was built around a great boulder said to bear a miraculous, unpainted image of the Virgin of Las Lajas, revealed according to legend to an indigenous woman and her deaf-mute daughter in the 18th century. That very rock forms the wall behind the main altar, and pilgrims line the canyon walls with thousands of plaques giving thanks for favors and healings granted.
Approached down a long path lined with offerings and reached by a footbridge over the rushing river far below, Las Lajas draws huge numbers of pilgrims and tourists, particularly in September around its feast. Designated a minor basilica, it is among Colombia's most beloved sacred sites and a frequent contender on lists of the world's most beautiful churches.
- Location
- 0.8055, -77.5860
- Local time
- 17:35 (America/Bogota)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Fri | 07:00–18:00 |
| Sat–Sun | 07:00–20:00 |
approximate; sources vary, weekdays roughly 07/09-18, weekends extended to 20:00
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
-
Our Lady of the Rosary of Las Lajas (Virgin Mary) Saint
The miraculous rock image is the central object of devotion; canonically crowned 1952
-
Dominic de Guzmán Saint
Depicted at the Virgin's feet in the famous Las Lajas rock image, receiving the rosary
-
Francis of Assisi Saint
Depicted at the Virgin's feet in the Las Lajas rock image
-
Pius X Saint
Pope-era saint venerated/depicted in sanctuary imagery and devotion
-
Anthony of Padua Saint
Commonly venerated with a statue/altar at the pilgrimage sanctuary (approximate)
Care & donations
Diocese of Ipiales
Free entry; accepts donations and offerings from pilgrims
The candle wall
68 candles burning now · 150 places
17:35
Tap an empty holder to light your own candle · €2.00 · hover a flame to see its intention