What if I told you that this city started with a divine traffic jam? That’s right. Luján, a city known as the Capital of Faith, owes its existence to a statue of the Virgin Mary. Luján is located 68 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires.
Let’s go back to 1630. A statue of the Virgin was being transported by oxcart. It was headed between churches. Suddenly near present-day Luján, the oxcart refused to move. Despite all efforts, it remained stuck. The devout Catholics saw this as a sign. The Virgin wanted to stay right here. This divine roadblock led to a religious shrine. A small chapel was built. People began to settle around it. In 1755, Luján was officially founded.
Today, Luján is best known for its Basilica of Our Lady of Luján. This neo-gothic Basilica honors the Virgin of Luján. She is the patron saint of Argentina. Every year, over six million people make pilgrimages to Luján. Many even walk from Buenos Aires.
The Basilica’s construction began in 1889. It was designed by French architect Ulderico Courtois. The impressive structure wasn’t completed until 1937. The towers reach a height of 106 meters. The Basilica features a copper roof and bronze doors. Inside, the tiny 38 cm statue of the Virgin resides. Also, there is a large Cavaillé-Coll organ. It is currently undergoing restoration.
But Luján offers more than just religious significance. The Enrique Udaondo museum complex showcases colonial life. It features art, uniforms, silverware, and antique vehicles. The Plus Ultra, the first hydroplane to cross from Europe to Argentina is here. La Porteña Argentina’s first steam locomotive is also displayed. You can even see prison cells. Colonel William Carr Beresford was held here. He commanded the 1806 British invading forces. General Cornelio Saavedra was also held here. He was president of the first national government in 1810.
Since 1987, Benedictine monks have resided at the Abadía de San Benito near Luján. They offer retreat facilities. The monks also support themselves through agriculture and publishing.
Luján’s history extends beyond religion. The city played a role in the English invasions. Captain Pedro de Luján died in a battle with natives in 1536. The river was named after him. Luján was the site of the first primary school. It was also where the first monument to Manuel Belgrano was erected.
So, as you stand before the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján remember its humble beginning. A divine traffic jam sparked the Capital of Faith. Luján is a place of pilgrimage, history, and Argentine culture.