Dreaming of Argentina? The Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Lujan stands as a testament to faith and architectural ambition. It rises majestically about 70 kilometers west of Buenos Aires. This is Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján.
Its story begins long before its towering spires pierced the sky. The narrative of Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján starts in 1685 with a humble chapel. By 1730 it became a parish. The growing number of worshipers demanded a grander space. A new temple opened December 8, 1763. Yet, by 1905, this structure was gone.
Father Jorge Maria Salvaire initiated the construction of the present Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján on May 6, 1890. The renowned French architect Uldéric Courtois led the design. By December 1910 the church was inaugurated and blessed. However the towers were still absent. Pope Pío XI granted it the title of minor basilica in November 1930. The temple was not fully completed until 1935.
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján is more than just a church. It stands as one of Argentina’s most significant examples of neogothic architecture. Think of the cathedrals of La Plata and Mar del Plata and the Iglesia de los Capuchinos. It is a frequent mistake to consider it the cathedral. The actual cathedral resides in Mercedes.
Dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Luján, the patron saint of Argentina, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján is also the National Sanctuary of Argentina. Its dimensions are impressive. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján stretches 104 meters long and 68.5 meters wide at the transept. The facade measures 42 meters. Its two towers soar to 106 meters each topped with grand crosses.
Inside, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján boasts two organs. A smaller one resides in the side nave. The main organ sits above the entrance beneath the rose window. Both were crafted by the French firm Mutin Cavaillé Coll. The larger organ possessed the highest air pressure among Argentine organs to fill the basilica. It is currently out of service.
The area around Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján has evolved. Plaza Belgrano was once Plaza Real. It was part of the Royal Road to Upper Peru. Later it was Plaza de la Justicia. Prisoners received their sentences there. The plaza became Plaza Belgrano to honor the General. It hosted public acts, festivals, bullfights and markets.
The basilica’s construction involved many hands. Architects Alfonso Flamand and Rómulo Ayerza contributed. Ulrico Courtois, Ernesto Moreau, and others also helped. The cornerstone lies deep beneath the main altar. It is a white Tandil stone cube. Inside are the Acta Fundacional, coins, portraits of Popes Pío IX and León XIII and stones from sacred sites.
Between 2005 and 2009 restoration work revived the basilica’s exterior. The facade is divided into three levels with three bronze-covered wooden doors. The central portico honors Argentina. The west is for Uruguay and the east for Paraguay. The facade includes niches of the Apostles and Evangelists. A rose window made in France sits at the center.
The towers hold the campanario. The basílica has 15 bells. Each has a name, a motto and a different weight. The smallest weighs 55 kg. The largest weighs 3400 kg.
In 2010, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján hosted the Tedeum. This commemorated the bicentennial of the May Revolution. President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner attended. The choice reflected the basilica’s symbolism for Argentinians.
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Luján stands as a symbol of faith and history. Its walls whisper tales of devotion. Its towers reach for the heavens.