Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Cartago

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is a Roman Catholic basilica in Costa Rica dedicated to the Virgen de Los Pardos, also known as Virgen de Los ngeles. It is located in the city of Cartago (the Lady of the Angels). Built in 1639, the basilica was partially destroyed by an earthquake. The church has since been rebuilt and now features a unique blend of colonial and 19th-century Byzantine architecture; the current structure dates from 1939.

The Virgin of Nuestra Seora de Los ngeles, a small representation of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus said to have been discovered by a peasant girl in Cartago, is honored in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. According to legend, the little girl discovered the little figurine on a rock and brought it home. The next morning, she discovered the statue had vanished and had returned to the rock, so she took it to the priest, who placed it in a little box. The statue was back on the rock the next morning. The church was devastated by earthquakes so many times during construction that it was finally decided to transfer it to the spot where the statue was discovered, and the building was completed. Many believe that the earthquakes were indicators that the Lady of Los Angeles want the basilica to be built there.

Across a million Christians (estimates range from 1 to 2.5 million) flock to the Basilica in the days preceding up to August 2, many of whom trek from all over the country. The majority of people, however, join the 22-kilometer walk from San José and nearby settlements to the basilica. The pilgrimage is known as the Romera in Costa Rica, and it is one of the country's most enduring traditions. Many people choose to crawl a portion of the route on their hands and knees as a sign of their piety.

Location: Cartago, Costa Rica