Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana
The white Moorish-style cathedral housing the Virgin of Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint, where new cars are blessed in the square every day.
Built in the 17th century, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana has white walls and a dome of glazed tiles, with clear Moorish influence. On the altar is the Virgin of Copacabana, a statue carved in 1583 by the Indigenous sculptor Tito Yupanqui, and she is the patron saint of Bolivia. In the square in front of the church, especially on weekends, a ceremony blesses new cars. The vehicles are decorated with flowers and ribbons and sprinkled with alcohol and holy water. Admission is free. The chapel housing the statue has set opening hours. Inside, please refrain from photography and noise.
Opening hours
About 07:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Copacabana
- Copacabana Lakefront
- Horca del Inca
- Cerro Calvario
- Baño del Inca (Kusijata)
- Sampaya
- Isla de la Luna (Koati)
- Pilko Kaina