Is it possible to find a piece of France in Argentina? Indeed it is right here at the Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes. This Catholic temple stands in Santos Lugares. It is in Buenos Aires Province. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Its design echoes the Sanctuary of Lourdes in France.
In 1921, a statue of the Virgin of Lourdes arrived. It was made in Lyon France. The statue weighed 400 kg. It is 1.70 m tall. This marked the start of the church’s construction. Father Antonio Silbermann oversaw the project. The first stone was blessed on October 11 1922. Bishop Francisco Alberti and Governor Luis Cantilo attended.
Construction of the Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes took about 45 years. The final touches were completed in 1967. In 1970 a bookstore opened at the basilica’s entrance. The central tower reached its final height in 1972. A cross was placed atop the building. It brought the total height to 72.5 meters.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes has a lower and upper temple. The lower temple has a romantic style. The upper temple features neogothic architecture.
Each year on February 11 thousands gather. They celebrate the Virgin of Lourdes. The streets of Santos Lugares close for blessings. Processions and celebrations mark this event. Devotees come to renew their faith. This makes the Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes one of Argentina’s most visited churches.
Masses fill the days before and on February 11. These take place in the lower temple upper temple and grotto. In 2023 the singer Jairo performed at the grotto. His show lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes. Over 3000 people attended the event.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes is more than a building. It is a place of deep faith. It is a cultural landmark. Its history and beauty attract visitors from everywhere. Its twin temples reach to the sky. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Lourdes stands as a beacon of hope.