10 religious attractions in South America to visit during Holy Week

It is no secret that South America is the world's most Catholic continent with 49% of the population practicing Catholicism. Apart from Catholicism, there are numerous other religions and spiritual beliefs in South America, all of which have coexisted long before Christopher Columbus discovered America. This combination of beliefs created the need for many major constructions, built in perfect harmony with nature. Apart from their mystic value, these buildings became true architectural jewels. Whether you are a believer or not, if you travel through this region during Holy Week, or as they now call it, Tourism Week, there are some impressive religious attractions in South America to visit.

10 religious attractions in South America to visit

1. Mount Monserrate (Colombia)

Mount Monserrate of Bogotá (Cierro Monserrate) sits at more than 3 kilometers above sea level. At the summit of this hill is the Monserrate Sanctuary, the Basílica Santuario del Señor Caído de Monserrate. You can access it on foot, by funicular or by cable car. The basilica was built in a neo-gothic architectural style and the locals say that the temple was built by pilgrims. Every time one visited the temple, he brought at least one brick for the construction. Apart from its religious meaning, this place is truly charming and has a natural appeal. If you are a gastronomy lover, the temple is also worth the visit. Traveling tip: If you want to discover the Monserrate Hill and other must-see points of interest of the Colombian capital in one single day, reserve the Daytours4u: Classic City Tour around Bogotá. [caption id="attachment_2155" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Panoramic view of Bogota from the Basilica of Monserrate is a religious attractions in South America to visit / Source[/caption]

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2. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (Colombia)

Although referred to as a Cathedral, there is no bishop working there. This was clearly meant to be a religious construction, but its touristic appeal has become the central purpose rather than is a religious function. The Salt Cathedral is in the city of Zipaquirá and is one of the most emblematic architectural works in Colombia. Inside the Cathedral you will find a great collection of salt and marble sculptures. Every art lover will fall in love with this place. Traveling tip: Discover the Salt Cathedral with this Tour to Zipaquirá by Train and, besides discovering this emblematic touristic attraction of Colombia, you will be able to travel from Bogotá inside a late XIXth century steam train. This is one of the must-see religious attractions in South America. [caption id="attachment_13197" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] religious attractions in South America to visit[/caption]

3. Diocesan Museum of San Ignacio Guazú (Paraguay)

From the mission of San Ignacio Guazú, the first one to rise in Paraguay (1609), many treasures of his church could be saved. These religious jewels are exhibited in the Diocesan Museum, 226 kilometers from Asunción, with other objects such as maps, photographs of the original church, a letter written by Felipe IV and, above all, the images carved in polychrome wood that amaze by their incredible expressiveness, such as those of San Pedro, San Francisco Javier or San Ignacio de Loyola. The museum is divided into four rooms: Creation, Redemption, the History of Christ, and the History of the Society of Jesus. [caption id="attachment_4015" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Diocesan Museum of San Ignacio Guazú (Paraguay) is one of the best religious attractions in South America to visit[/caption]

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4. Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado (Brazil)

There are endless reasons to visit Christ the Redeemer Statue: it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most important touristic sites in Brazil. One of the most amazing facts about this statue is that nobody accidentally died during its construction: that was unprecedented at the time considering the ambition of the project. The statue is at the summit of Morro del Corcovado and is 30 meters high - not taking into account its 8 meters pedestal. [caption id="attachment_2158" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Thousands of tourists and curious walk up daily to take the typical selfie with the Christ Redeemer in Rio, one of the greatest religious attractions in South America to visit[/caption]  

Climb the Corcovado in the Cosme Velho Train with this Christ the Redeemer City Tour.

5. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Brazil)

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, is an impressive building that cannot go unnoticed when you visit the city. Its peculiar pyramidal shape is one of the most beautiful elements of its architecture. When you enter you will see a giant cross and four colorful stained glass windows that cause extraordinary reflections of the light. Besides the Cathedral, the Sacred Art Musem, in the basement and is also worth a visit. [caption id="attachment_11313" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Saint Sebastian Cathedral and its peculiar pyramidal conic form / Source[/caption]

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6. The Church of the Society of Jesus (Ecuador)

Religious art cannot be left out of the tourist preferences that Quito offers its visitors. Its construction dates from the first years of the Colony and the arrival of the Jesuit order to Ecuador, at that time Audiencia de Quito. The temple is considered a jewel of the Ibero-American baroque. The distinction is due, among other things, for its facade built entirely of gray stone of volcanic origin. On the other hand, the works of art are another reason for the delight of the visitors, the temple conserves sculptures of the colonial school of Quito and the style of masters like Bernardo de Legarda. Traveling tip: Destine one day of your travel itinerary in Quito to visit the Church of the Society of Jesus North and discover much of the religious culture of Ecuador. Take the City Classic Tour in Quito and don't worry about logistics. and do not worry about how to organize your trip! [caption id="attachment_13206" align="aligncenter" width="1412"] The Church of the Society of Jesus (Ecuador), religious attractions in South America to visit[/caption]

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7. Lujan Basilica (Argentina)

Our Lady of Luján is the patron saint of Argentina and the neo-gothic basilisk named after her has a very important meaning for Catholics in both Argentina and worldwide. The basilisk is seventy kilometers away from the City of Buenos Aires and was built between 1887 and 1935. Visiting the city of Luján - apart from discovering this impressive sanctuary - will enable you to take a break from the frantic way of life in the capital of Argentina and take a peaceful walk next to the river. [caption id="attachment_11315" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The stariway inside the Lujan Basilica, another great religious attractions in South America to visit / Source[/caption]

8. Jesuit History Tour (Argentina)

This spectacular tour of the history of Jesuits in Cordoba will visit up to 3 of the 5 UNESCO World Heritage estancias. On the way to the first estancia, you will pass by the beautiful villages of Agua de Oro and La Granja. You will visit Estancia de Santa Catalina, Estancia of Jesus Maria and Estancia Colonia Caroya. Discover the interesting past and culture of the Jesuit Order and their influence on Argentine society and the region of Cordoba. Travelling tip: The Jesuit History tour is perfect and recommended for any traveler wanting to find out more about the history of the Jesuit Order in Argentina and its influence on the traditions and the educational legacy left on the province of Cordoba, besides of the architectonical gems hidden in the stunning mountain landscapes of Cordoba. Take the Jesuit History Tour!

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9. Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (Perú)

Below the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi are the Catacombs of Lima which served as crypts for members of associations of the city's Catholic faithful. It is very impressive to see how the bones and skulls of the corpses were organized inside the catacombs in order to make better use of the space. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited attractions by tourists, but also by those who place their faith in the dead by throwing coins, notes asking for miracles and even voodoo dolls with pins against an adversary or antagonist. Traveling tip: the best way to discover Lima is with the Classic City Tour through Lima, where you will explore each of its historic sites, beautiful temples and churches, and much more.

10. Santa Lucia Hill (Chile)

Located in the heart of Santiago de Chile, this hill owes its name to Pedro de Valdivia who decided to name it thus because he founded the city on December 13th of 1540, the day of Saint Lucy of Syracuse. This hill and the neo-gothic chapel are the only religious references in the area, nowadays it has become one of the most touristic, historical, and cultural points of interest of the city - and must-see religious attractions if you go to Chile. Visitors can go to the Neptune Fountain - dedicated to the Roman god of the seas - and Capolicán. There is also an old canon, the Hidalgo Fort, and a beautiful garden. If you go to Santiago, you must visit this place! Traveling tip: Do not miss out on Santiago's attractions. Discover the most emblematic destinations in Santiago de Chile with the Santiago City Tour with Chile4u. [caption id="attachment_2162" align="aligncenter" width="1521"] Fountain in one of the gardens of Cerro Santa Lucía. Source.[/caption]

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If the Catholic faith and many other religions play an important role in South America, there is an interesting exception: Uruguay; a secular state where most atheists in the continent live. If you travel to Montevideo, you will surely go to the Matriz Cathedral, a Buddhist temple, and a synagogue but religion is not a transcendental element of the culture unlike the majority of its neighboring countries. Enjoy every day of your holidays in South America during Tourism Week. Daytours4u offers you useful and up-to-date information for every destination you wish to visit. You can prepare a travel itinerary including all the unmissable attractions, with both the classical tours and the less conventional excursions so that you can enjoy a wonderful experience in this magical and mysterious continent.  

  By: Edit Content Daytours4u Team