Basilica de Higüey Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

Basilica de Higüey Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia Review

Higüey's concrete basilica was built in 1972, and is characterized by its representations of oranges, symbolic of the nearby orange grove where a vision of the Virgin Mary has become legend. There's a shrine depicting an orange tree and stained-glass windows with cutouts shaped like oranges inside the cathedral, where you can climb the stairs of the sanctuary and touch the encased icon of the Virgen de la Altagracia, patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Outside, you can light a candle or purchase religious mementos. The pinched arches of the facade stretch 250 feet (75 meters) high. The basilica is the site of annual pilgrimages on January 21 and August 16. If you want to go to mass, call first as the hours are subject to change