The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey is one of the most important Marian shrines in the Caribbean. It is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of the faithful, the spiritual centre of the region and one of the symbols of the Dominican Republic’s Catholic identity. The building is also distinguished by its impressive architecture, typical of the turn of the 20th century. Its modern form, based on expressive arches and a monumental silhouette, places it among the most distinctive religious buildings in Latin America.
A modern cathedral in a historic city
The basilica is located in the town of Salvaleón de Higüey in the east of the Dominican Republic and serves as the cathedral of the diocese of Our Lady of Altagracia. The new temple was built to a design by French architects André-Jacques Dunoyer de Segonzac, Pierre Dupré and Pierre Domino. Their design, in keeping with the modernist trends of the time, was chosen in an international architectural competition announced in 1947. The basilica was built on the site of an earlier shrine associated with the traditional account of the apparition of Our Lady of Altagracia. Originally, a church was erected on this site as early as 1572.
Higüey basilica – 17 years of construction
Construction of the current, much more impressive temple began in 1954 on the initiative of the first Bishop of Higüey, Juan Félix Pepén. The work took as long as 17 years. The ceremonial opening of the basilica took place on 21 January 1971 with Dominican President Joaquín Balaguer in attendance. In October of the same year, the building was declared a national monument and Pope Paul VI gave it the title of basilica minor. In 1973, the temple became the seat of the Diocese of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey. The entire complex, including the extensive courtyard, covers some 4,680sq m.
Symbolism and functionality of the temple
The temple was built on a Latin cross plan. Its main doors are made of bronze and covered with 24-carat gold, and 45 bells are hung in the bell tower. The most distinctive elements of the entire structure are the slender arches symbolising the silhouette of the Virgin Mary with her hands folded in prayer. The temple can accommodate more than 3,000 worshippers and was designed with large pilgrimage congregations in mind. Its construction is resistant to the hurricanes common in the region, which also gives it the function of a shelter in the event of a natural disaster. The tallest arch originally featured a cross, which was torn down by the devastating Hurricane David in 1979. It was only restored in 2014.
Interior and coronation of the image of Our Lady
The basilica was blessed by Pope John Paul II during his second visit to the Dominican Republic, which took place on 12 October 1992. The Pope personally crowned the image of Our Lady of Altagracia with a silver gilded crown. The image dates back to the 16th century and the patroness herself is recognised as the first evangeliser of America and the New World. The temple’s magnificent interior is a play of concrete forms and colours cast by various stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscopic effect. The basilica at Higüey does not resemble traditional churches, but is memorable for its austerity and symbolic form.
Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia
The basilica is the central place of worship and religious heritage of the Dominican Republic and remains one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Latin America. Every year on 21 January, the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia takes place here, attracting thousands of worshippers. Many people go on foot or on their knees to pray in front of the miraculous image.
Source: basilicadehiguey.do, visitdominicanrepublic.org
Also read: sacred architecture | Modernism | Architecture | Interesting facts | Concrete | whiteMAD on Instagram
