Regarding tragedies, Nuestra Señora de la Paz became a refuge. This Catholic church stands in Lomas de Zamora. It is also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. The cathedral’s story starts with Victorio Grigera. In 1860 he donated the land for it. He also donated the land for the Grigera Square and the Municipality.
Construction began on January 16, 1860. Architects Nicolás and José Canale oversaw the first phase. Bartolomé Mitre laid the cornerstone. The church opened on January 22, 1865. Later construction started in 1898. Juan Ochoa and Domingo Selva supervised the work on the transept. They also worked on the dome and sanctuary. This phase finished on January 24, 1900.
Nuestra Señora de la Paz has a rich history. In 1851 the area became part of Barracas al Sur. This new district needed a patron saint. The political climate influenced the choice. There was conflict between Buenos Aires and the Argentine Confederation. The Pact of San José de Flores was signed in 1859. So, they chose Our Lady of Peace. This decision shaped the church’s future. It became a sanctuary during the Chaco War. It also offered solace during the Spanish Civil War. People also prayed here during World War II.
The original design dates back to 1855. Nicolás and José Canale created it. They were Italian architects who arrived in Argentina shortly before. The church features a neo-Renaissance style. It has a central nave with four sections. A dome and transept complete the structure. Alberto de Paula praised its masterful proportions. He also noted the expressive pillars. The light is soft inside creating a serene atmosphere.
Construction occurred in stages. The facade and central nave were built from 1860 to 1865. The side naves followed in 1876. The presbytery was built later. The architects Juan Ochoa and Domingo Selva erected the vaults. They also built the transept and dome between 1898 and 1902. José Guido Lavalle added a new peristyle between 1944 and 1946.
In 1965 Pope Paul VI declared it a Minor Basilica. This marked its centenary. Today Nuestra Señora de la Paz stands as a monument. It reflects faith and resilience. Its architecture tells a story of Argentina’s past. Its role as a sanctuary highlights its importance. It is a place of peace in Lomas de Zamora.
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is located on Saénz 438. It was declared a National Historic Monument by Decree N° 1.020/2004.