The nave of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with stone walls and a painted vault; at the far end, the great statue of the Virgin carved in wood.
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Basilica of the Immaculate Conception · Chignahuapan

The Virgin of the Chignahuapan Basilica The tallest indoor Virgin
in Latin America

Get directions Step inside in 360°

The statue

A Virgin to look up to

She is the tallest indoor Virgin in Latin America. The Immaculate Conception stands 14 metres tall and is carved in cedar wood. She holds the Christ Child in her arms, and the Child holds the dove of the Holy Spirit.

From the door it doesn’t sink in: walk to the middle of the nave and look up.

Visitors standing before the great statue of the Immaculate Conception; the golden wall reads «Yo soy la Inmaculada Concepción» (I am the Immaculate Conception).
Next to the statue, visitors look tiny.

Its story

A church built with the town’s stones

Instead of asking for tithes, Father Ildefonso Illescas asked the faithful to contribute stones to build the church.

  1. The beginning

    Stones instead of tithes

    The faithful bring the stones for the walls that can still be seen in the nave.

  2. 1960sSix years of work

    The Virgin is carved

    Puebla sculptor José Luis Silva, with Carmen Silva, carves the entire statue in cedar wood.

  3. 197212 May

    Unveiled with the church

    The statue and the church are inaugurated together, with Ildefonso Illescas as parish priest.

  4. Today

    The heart of the town’s faith

    Every 8 December, Chignahuapan celebrates its Virgin here.

What to see inside

Look up

Besides the Virgin, the nave holds details you’ll miss if you rush in and out.

  • Close up, the crowned face of the Virgin and the Christ Child in her arms, holding up the dove of the Holy Spirit.

    The Child and the dove Look at the Child’s hands: they hold the dove of the Holy Spirit.

  • The painted vault of the Basilica: gilded ribs, two angels in prayer and the monograms of Jesus and Mary.

    The painted vault Angels, golden ribs and the monograms of Jesus and Mary.

  • A stone side wall of the nave, with lit religious paintings and blue columns.

    The stone walls The stones given by the faithful, with paintings all along the nave.

Also look for the words “Yo soy la Inmaculada Concepción” (I am the Immaculate Conception) on the golden wall.

How to visit

A living church

Above all, the Basilica is a place of prayer. Here is how to visit without disturbing anyone:

  • Free entryThere is no charge to go in.
  • Keep quietSpeak softly and silence your phone.
  • During MassWait until it ends before walking around the nave or taking photos.
  • No flashAnd don’t stand on the pews or step up to the altar.
  • Hats offTake off your cap or hat when you go in.
  • 30 to 45 minutesEnough to take it in calmly.
The statue of the Immaculate Conception adorned with pink and white flowers at her feet, seen from below.
The Virgin, decorated with flowers.

Every 8 December

The feast of the Immaculate Conception

It is the town’s most important religious patron feast: processions, music and devotion at the Basilica.

  • Free entry
  • Processions
  • Music

On that day the Basilica fills up: arrive early and be patient.

See the events calendar

Get directions

Two blocks from the main square

Tip Walk there and pair it with the bandstand and the Parish of Santiago Apóstol: the whole centre can be explored on foot.

Location
Calle Romero Vargas, central Chignahuapan
Hours
Open every day
Admission
Free
Visit
30 to 45 minutes

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Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Virgin of the Chignahuapan Basilica?

She is the tallest indoor Virgin in Latin America: 14 metres tall and carved in cedar wood.

Who carved the Virgin of the Basilica?

Puebla sculptor José Luis Silva, with Carmen Silva. It took six years of work, and the statue was unveiled together with the church in 1972.

How much does it cost to visit the Basilica?

Nothing: entry is free. It is a working church, so please respect Mass times.

When is the feast of the Immaculate Conception in Chignahuapan?

On 8 December, with processions, music and devotion at the Basilica. Entry is free.

Where is the Chignahuapan Basilica?

On Calle Romero Vargas, two blocks from the main square. You can walk there from the bandstand.

Can I take photos inside?

Yes, without flash and without disturbing anyone. If Mass is on, wait until it ends.

Before and after your visit

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