In 1691, a young girl named Inés found a canvas painting in the waters near Higüey—an image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child that, like the painting itself, emerged from the sea unharmed by salt water. The local priest, Fr. Domingo López, recognized this as miraculous and installed the painting in the parish church. Our Lady of Altagracia (Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia) quickly became the heart of Dominican devotion, and Higüey transformed from a small eastern town into the spiritual capital of the nation.
Today, the Basilica of Altagracia dominates Higüey's skyline—a modernist masterpiece designed by French architects Pierre Dupré and André-Jacques Dunoyer de Segonzac. Completed in 1971, the basilica accommodates 3,000 worshippers beneath soaring concrete arches that evoke both Gothic grandeur and Caribbean lightness. Every January 21, over a million Dominicans make pilgrimage to Higüey for the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, making it the largest religious gathering in the Caribbean.
For Dominicans, Altagracia is more than patroness—she is the mother who has watched over their island through conquest, slavery, independence, and revolution, always providing hope in times of trial.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia predates the miraculous finding of the painting. Spanish colonists brought the title "Altagracia" (High Grace) from Spain in the early 16th century. When the painted image appeared in 1691, it was interpreted as Mary's confirmation of her special protection over Hispaniola.
The image shows the Virgin Mary seated with the Christ Child on her lap, surrounded by symbols representing the mystery of the Incarnation. Art historians date the painting to the 15th or early 16th century, possibly of Spanish origin. How it reached Dominican waters remains unexplained.
Devotion spread rapidly across the Spanish Caribbean. In 1922, Dominican bishops petitioned Pope Pius XI to declare Our Lady of Altagracia patroness of the Dominican Republic. The proclamation was made on September 12, 1922. The shrine's importance grew as Dominicans emigrated—today, major celebrations occur in New York, Miami, and other diaspora communities.
The current basilica, replacing a colonial church, was inaugurated in 1971 during the papacy of Paul VI. Its architecture, revolutionary for its time, sought to express Dominican identity through modern forms rooted in faith.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Higüey
Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Modern masterpiece housing the miraculous painting
The 1971 basilica features dramatic concrete arches rising 80 meters, creating an interior space both monumental and intimate. Natural light streams through the structure, illuminating the miraculous painting displayed above the main altar. The design incorporates local materials and forms inspired by Dominican culture.
Museum of Altagracia
Adjacent to the basilica, the museum displays religious art, historical artifacts, and documentation of the devotion's development over three centuries.
Miraculous Painting Chapel
The 16th-century painting is housed in a special climate-controlled chapel within the basilica, accessible to pilgrims for close veneration.
Original Church Site
The location of the first church where the painting was installed is marked and incorporated into the basilica complex.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia — January 21
The great national pilgrimage draws over one million Dominicans from across the island and diaspora. The celebration begins on January 20 with overnight vigils and continues through January 21 with Mass celebrated by the archbishop.
Feast of the Assumption — August 15
Major Marian celebration with special observances.
Dominican Independence Day — February 27
National celebrations often include religious observances honoring the patroness.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Don Juan ⭐⭐⭐ — In Higüey center. Reserve this hotel
Hotels in Punta Cana (45 km east) — Major resort area with extensive accommodations. Reserve in Punta Cana
Hotels in La Romana (60 km west) — Tourist center with multiple options.
Note: During the January feast, accommodations throughout eastern Dominican Republic fill rapidly.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is 45 km east. La Romana International Airport (LRM) is 60 km west.
By Bus: Regular service connects Higüey to Santo Domingo (3 hours), Santiago (4 hours), and Punta Cana (1 hour).
By Car: From Santo Domingo, take Autopista del Este (DR-3) east to Higüey (approximately 3 hours). From Punta Cana, take Route 4 west (45 minutes).
🔗 Useful Links
Basilica of Altagracia — Official sanctuary information.
Dominican Episcopal Conference — National church resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
El Cobre, Cuba (300 km northwest) — Our Lady of Charity.
Hormigueros, Puerto Rico (400 km northwest) — Our Lady of Monserrate.
Santo Domingo (180 km west) — Cathedral of the Americas, first in the New World.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Mother of God has never ceased to obtain spiritual benefits in those who, with faith and devotion, come here to pray." — Pope Francis, Visit to Loreto, March 25, 2019
