European art, 17th-century architecture and strangereligious rituals await you at the Copacabana Cathedral (Catedral de la Virgende Candelaria). Time your visit to this bright-white church in the heart ofCopacabana correctly to join in a religious celebration or a solemn pilgrimageto a nearby hilltop.
The Copacabana Cathedral is spread over a wide courtyardsurrounded by whitewashed walls. Study the beautiful details of its Moorishdesign. For instance, notice the tile mosaic on the arched gateway into thecourtyard. Religious sculptures stand throughout the grounds.
Catholic pilgrims travel from throughout the region to prayat the Virgin of Candelaria statue within the cathedral. Ever since thissculpture appeared in the late 16th century, it has been thought to bring goodluck. Study the statue as you tour the interior of the cathedral.
The cathedral’s grounds also feature a museum, the Museo dela Catedral. Here, browse religious artwork from Europe and South America.Plus, don’t miss the set of origami cranes in the cathedral’s collection. A Japanesewoman sent these to the Copacabana Cathedral because she wanted her unbornchild to be born gifted.
Join in a religious ceremony at the cathedral. On February2, the Copacabana Cathedral serves as the site for the Fiesta de la Virgen deCandelaria. This festival of regional food, music and dance is an excellent wayto sample area culture and cuisine. Drop by the cathedral on Good Friday to seea procession of religious pilgrims leading from the church to the hilltop ofCerro Calvario on the lakeside. Thousands attend the candlelit ceremony, whichcommemorates the plight of Christ.
Visit the cathedral during the Bendicion de Movilidades (CarBlessing) to see an unusual ritual. During this ceremony, car owners fromthroughout the region spread ribbons and flowers on their vehicles and drivethem to the cathedral. There, priests grant the drivers and their cars ablessing.
Located on the Plaza 2 de Febrero in the heart ofCopacabana, the Copacabana Cathedral can be reached on foot from the Copacabanalakeside. Admission is free to both the cathedral and the museum, which areopen daily.