Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile
Brazil·Belém
The Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile, also known as the Basilica of Belém, is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church located in Belém, Pará, Brazil. Construction began in 1909 on the site where the image of the Virgin of Nazareth was discovered. The basilica is notable for its Neoclassical design, commissioned by Barnabite priests and inspired by the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, though it controversially lacked steeples in its original plan.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1909 on the site where the image of the Virgin of Nazareth was found.
- ›The basilica's design was created by Gino Coppedè in 1909, following the model of Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
- ›Dual bell towers were added to the basilica despite the architect's original intent for no steeples.
- ›Pope Pius XI declared the temple a basilica on July 19, 1923.
- ›The basilica measures 62 meters long, 24 meters wide, and 20 meters high, with towers reaching an additional 42 meters.
- ›It was listed as a historic structure by the Department of Historic, Artistic and Cultural Heritage of Pará in 1992.
Neoclassical, Eclectic
Virgin of Nazareth
Image of the Virgin of Nazareth
Barnabite Priests
Gino Coppedè
About Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile
The Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile, also known by the Portuguese name Basílica Nossa Senhora de Nazaré do Desterro and the local moniker Basilica of Belém, is a significant minor basilica of the Catholic Church situated in the city of Belém, in the state of Pará, Brazil. Its origins are tied to the discovery of the image of the Virgin of Nazareth by Plácido José de Souza in the vicinity of the Murututu Igarapé. The foundational construction for the current edifice commenced in 1909.
Design and Construction
The basilica's design was entrusted to the Italian architect Gino Coppedè in 1909, who envisioned it as a basilica rather than a simple parish church. Coppedè's plan was influenced by the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, characterized by an eclectic Neoclassical style. Notably, Coppedè's original design did not include steeples. However, local authorities, citing the tradition of churches in the Lusophone world, mandated the addition of dual bell towers, a feature that contrasted with the architect's initial concept.
The cornerstone for the basilica was laid on October 24, 1909, by Santino Maria Coutinho, then Archbishop of Belém. The structure itself is substantial, measuring 62 meters (203 ft) in length, 24 meters (79 ft) in width, and 20 meters (66 ft) in height. Its bell towers rise an additional 42 meters (138 ft) and house nine bells, the largest of which is over 2 tons and measures 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) in diameter.
Religious and Historical Recognition
The temple's status as a basilica was officially recognized by Pope Pius XI on July 19, 1923. Further veneration was bestowed upon its Marian image when Pope Pius XII granted a decree of pontifical coronation on July 9, 1953, with the coronation taking place on August 15 of the same year. In a more recent elevation, Pope Benedict XVI designated the basilica as the Archdiocesan Marian Sanctuary on May 31, 2006, renaming it the Basilica Sanctuary of the Virgin of Nazareth.
Protected Heritage
Reflecting its historical and architectural importance, the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth was formally listed as a historic structure by the Department of Historic, Artistic and Cultural Heritage (DPHAC) of the state of Pará in 1992, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile built?
Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile began in 1909. The current structure was designed in the same year, and the cornerstone was laid on October 24, 1909.
Who designed the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile?
The current structure of the basilica was designed by Gino Coppedè in 1909. He planned the structure as a basilica, drawing inspiration from the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
What is the significance of the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile?
It is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church and holds significant religious importance as the site where the image of the Virgin of Nazareth was found. It was officially declared a basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1923.
What are the dimensions of the basilica?
The basilica measures 62 meters (203 ft) in length, 24 meters (79 ft) in width, and 20 meters (66 ft) in height. Its towers extend an additional 42 meters (138 ft) upwards.
Has the basilica received any special designations?
Yes, Pope Pius XI declared it a basilica on July 19, 1923. Pope Pius XII granted a decree of pontifical coronation to its Marian image in 1953, and Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to the status of Archdiocesan Marian Sanctuary in 2006.
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