The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil receives 12 million visitors annually—more than any other Christian shrine in the Western Hemisphere. The small terracotta statue of the Virgin, discovered by fishermen in 1717, became the Patroness of Brazil and the heart of Latin American Catholic devotion.
## 📜 History & Significance
On October 12, 1717, three fishermen casting nets in the Paraíba River pulled up a terracotta statue of the Virgin Mary—first the body, then the head. After invoking the Virgin, their nets overflowed with fish. The darkened 40-cm statue, its features blackened by river mud, became known as Nossa Senhora Aparecida—Our Lady Who Appeared.
Miraculous healings spread devotion across Brazil. Pope Pius XI declared her Patroness of Brazil in 1930, and October 12 became a national holiday in 1980. The current basilica, begun in 1955 to accommodate growing pilgrimage, is second only to St. Peter's in capacity, holding 45,000 inside and 200,000 on its grounds.
## 🥾 Route Overview
The Caminho da Fé (Path of Faith), inspired by the Camino de Santiago, covers 497 km through Brazil's Mantiqueira Mountains to the basilica. Marked with yellow arrows like its Spanish counterpart, the route offers pilgrims a credencial (pilgrim passport) stamped along the way. Those completing the final 100 km on foot or bicycle receive a certificate.
Multiple branches connect towns across interior Brazil, with Águas da Prata being the traditional starting point. The path traverses 300 km of mountain terrain before descending to the basilica in the Paraíba Valley.
## ☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
**Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida** - The second-largest Catholic church in the world, built in Romanesque Revival style with a 70-meter dome and 109-meter tower.
**The Original Image** - The small terracotta statue discovered in 1717, displayed in a special niche above the main altar.
**Old Basilica** - The 18th-century church that housed the image before the new basilica was built, now a historical monument.
**Passarela da Fé** - The Faith Walkway connecting the old and new basilicas, where pilgrims tie ribbons representing their prayers.
## 🕯️ October 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Aparecida
Brazil's national holiday draws one million pilgrims to the basilica for a ten-day celebration honoring Mary. Processions, special Masses, and festivals fill churches and communities across the nation.
## 🔗 Useful Links
- [Basilica of Aparecida Official](https://www.a12.com/santuario/) - Sanctuary information - [Caminho da Fé](https://www.caminhodafe.com.br/) - Pilgrimage route information
