#ipiales

“Sanctuary of Las Lajas, Ipiales, Colombia” - via Wikimedia Commons

Sanctuary of Las Lajas, Colombia: The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is a Catholic minor basilica located within the canyon of the Guáitara River in Ipiales, Nariño Department, Colombia. The Marian shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Rosary. Wikipedia

Santuario Nacional de la Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Las Lajas en COLOMBIA

Pics by Sara Esparza © 2020 All rights reserved.

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

One of the most outstanding architectural monuments in the world is a Roman Catholic basilica, near the Colombian city of Ipiales, not far from the border with Ecuador. The fascinating thing about this place is that it was built inside the canyon where the Guitara River flows. Las Lajas Cathedral, also known as “Las Lajas Sanctuary”, is at 100 meters high from the bottom of the canyon, being connected with a 50 meters tall bridge to the other side of the ravine. So, it’s often been called a jewel of engineering. It took 33 years (between 1916 and 1949) to finish the present church and it was financed by local churchgoers.  This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the veneration of Our Lady of Las Lajas Ipiales. According to local beliefs, the Virgin Mary appeared to a woman and her deaf-mute daughter in 1754 at the same place where the Las Lajas church is now standing. The story says that while the two women were looking for shelter, they felt like a force was guiding them towards a cave, where they were able to see the image of Our Virgin Mary on one of the walls. The little girl then shouted to her mother, pointing to the image. It is believed that the apparition of the Virgin Mary cured Rosa. The news of the miracle reportedly spread across the area, making people wonder if it was really true.