Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

In the heart of the vibrant city of Oaxaca stands the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude — a majestic architectural monument and a spiritual symbol of the region. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the city's patron saint, is one of the most revered sites in Mexico.

The building is an outstanding example of Religious Baroque. One of the main features of the basilica is the use of local greenish cantera stone, which gives the facade a unique hue and a monumental look. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the temple is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Visitors are drawn not only to the richly decorated facade, which resembles an intricate stone altarpiece, but also to its special atmosphere of tranquility. The basilica is considered the "heart" of Oaxaca's spiritual life, blending centuries-old traditions with the exquisite art of the colonial era.

To find the most up-to-date information regarding mass times or special events, you can use the following contact details:

The first thing to do upon visiting is to take a close look at the unique facade. It is designed as a massive retablo (altarpiece), where numerous sculptures of saints are frozen in niches. Notice the unusual height of the towers: they were intentionally built low and massive to withstand the earthquakes frequent in these parts.

Inside the church, be sure to find the richly decorated statue of Our Lady of Solitude, dressed in robes embroidered with gold and precious stones. The interior of the basilica impresses with its solemnity, graceful domes, and religious paintings that reveal the history of Christianity in the region.

If you are lucky enough to be here during a religious holiday or a Sunday mass, you can witness vibrant processions and traditional local rituals. Additionally, the plaza in front of the basilica is a great place to relax, where you can try the famous Oaxacan ice cream and simply watch the steady pace of city life.

Thanks to its location in the historic center, reaching the church is very easy. If you are near the main Zócalo square, a walk to Avenida de la Independencia will take only about 5–10 minutes. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the city's colonial architecture along the way.

For those coming from further away or from the main bus station, the best option is a taxi. The trip is inexpensive and takes very little time. Local buses and "colectivos" also regularly head toward the center, and they always have "Centro" marked on the windshield.

The basilica building is hard to miss thanks to its impressive facade and the open plaza in front of it, which is a popular gathering spot for locals. If you are traveling by rental car, keep in mind that parking in the center can be difficult, so it is better to leave your vehicle in one of the paid parking lots nearby.

The history of this majestic structure is shrouded in a mysterious legend. According to tradition, in 1543, a muleteer noticed an "extra" animal in his caravan carrying a large chest. On the outskirts of the city, the mule suddenly collapsed and could not get up. When the chest was opened, an image of the Virgin and a crucifix were found inside, which was interpreted as a divine sign.

Construction of the current building began much later, in 1682, and continued until 1690. Architects of that era faced a serious challenge: frequent earthquakes. This is why the basilica has such massive walls and low, stable towers, which became a hallmark of local Baroque.

For centuries, Our Lady of Solitude has been considered the patroness of Oaxaca. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here to honor the shrine. The church has not only survived periods of natural disasters but has also preserved its unique appearance, becoming part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For a standard tour of the interior and the facade, tourists usually need about 30 to 45 minutes. This is enough time to appreciate the scale of the building, take photos, and see the main altars.

If you plan to attend a service, sit in quiet contemplation, or explore the architectural details of the plaza in front of the church, you should set aside about 1.5–2 hours. The atmosphere here invites leisurely observation, especially in the morning or just before sunset.

The exact opening hours of the basilica may vary depending on the liturgical calendar and special events. Generally, the church doors are open to visitors during daylight hours, with breaks between services.

As the official schedule is not always fixed, we recommend confirming the current visiting times on-site or checking the latest updates on the church's official social media page before your visit.

The basilica's location in the heart of the city makes it easy to combine your visit with other interesting sites. A walk around the neighborhood will reveal different sides of Oaxaca—from cozy streets to specialized centers.

Below are some attractions located within a few kilometers of the church: