Shrine Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Breña
The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, also known as Basílica María Auxiliadora, is a Roman Catholic church located in Breña, Lima, Peru. Constructed between 1916 and 1924, it played a significant role in Peru's Centennial celebrations and has demonstrated remarkable resilience against multiple earthquakes.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the basilica took place from 1916 to 1924.
- ›The incomplete structure was first inaugurated on July 30, 1921, during Peru's Independence Centennial.
- ›The basilica was completed and fully re-inaugurated on December 8, 1924, also as part of the Centennial celebrations.
- ›It has withstood major earthquakes in 1940, 1970, and 2007.
- ›Its interior decoration was finalized in 2017.
- ›The building was declared part of the Cultural heritage of Peru in 2021.
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About Shrine Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Breña
Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Breña
The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, known in Spanish as Basílica María Auxiliadora, is a significant Roman Catholic church located in the Breña district of Lima, Peru. Facing Brazil Avenue and situated near Bolognesi Square, the basilica is a prominent landmark in the city.
History and Construction
The construction of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians spanned from 1916 to 1924. The building was first inaugurated in an incomplete state on July 30, 1921, by President Augusto B. Leguía as part of the celebrations for the Centennial of the Independence of Peru. The complete structure was then re-inaugurated on December 8, 1924, also in connection with the Centennial, and was dedicated to the Battle of Ayacucho.
Resilience and Heritage
A notable aspect of the basilica's history is its structural integrity. It remarkably survived the devastating 1940 Lima earthquake and also withstood the seismic events of 1970 and 2007. The church's interior decoration was finalized in 2017. In recognition of its historical and architectural value, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was declared part of the Cultural heritage of Peru in 2021.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians built?
Construction of the basilica began in 1916 and was completed in 1924. It was inaugurated in two phases as part of Peru's Centennial celebrations.
What is the significance of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Peru's history?
The basilica was inaugurated during the Centennial of the Independence of Peru, marking a significant national event. It was also dedicated to the Battle of Ayacucho, another key moment in Peruvian history.
Has the basilica survived natural disasters?
Yes, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians has proven to be remarkably resilient. It remained unaffected by the 1940 Lima earthquake and also withstood the seismic events of 1970 and 2007.
When was the basilica's decoration completed?
The interior decoration of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was finished in 2017, nearly a century after its initial construction.
Is the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians a protected heritage site?
Yes, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was declared part of the Cultural heritage of Peru in 2021, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.
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