Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria |
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Front entrance
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Location | |
| Location | 50th and 51st street, La Candelaria, Medellín, Colombia |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, often called La Candelaria Church, is a historic Catholic church in Medellín, Colombia. It's dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is the oldest church in the city. You can find it in the city center, next to Berrío Park.
This church was the main church for the Archdiocese of Medellín from 1868 to 1931. After that, the title of main church went to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The building has a Neoclassical style and was originally built with stone and mortar. Over the years, it has been repaired and updated many times.
On December 8, 1970, Pope Paul VI gave the church a special title: Minor basilica. Later, in 1997, the church was renovated. On July 31, 1998, it was officially declared a National Monument of Colombia. This means it's a very important historical site.
History of La Candelaria Church
In 1616, a Spanish official named Francisco de Herrera y Campuzano started a small town. This town was for about 80 native people, called Amerindians. He named it Poblado de San Lorenzo, which is now El Poblado Square.
Later, in 1646, a new law said that Amerindians should live separately from other groups like mestizos and mulattos. So, the Spanish leaders began building a new town in an area called Aná, which is now Berrío Park. Here, they built the first church called Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Aná.
Three years later, the Spanish began building the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. This church was rebuilt at the end of the 1700s. It was dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria, a special saint for Spanish people, especially sailors. Sailors often prayed to her when crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the New World.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you'll see the main altar. It is made of wood and painted with gold. Above the altar, there is a painting of the Virgin of Candelaria. She is the patron saint of the town.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Medellín) para niños
- Candelária Church (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- Basilica of Candelaria (Tenerife, Spain)
