Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar), Buenos Aires

Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar), Buenos Aires

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Buenos Aires' Recoleta neighborhood is a vital part of the Franciscan monastery. It was built through a collaborative effort led by architect Andrés Blanqui and finished by Juan Bautista Prímoli. This stunning basilica, devoted to Our Lady of the Pillar, was completed in 1732.

Architecturally, the exterior of the basilica is characterized by a modest yet elegant colonial design, boasting a whitewashed appearance. Inside, it holds a treasure trove of exquisite original altarpieces and decorative elements.

The Basilica was tied to the Recollects friar order, inspiring the Recoleta neighborhood's name. It was built on the city's edge, reflecting the order's solitude ideals. The funds for the basilica's construction were generously provided by a resident hailing from Zaragoza, Spain. This contribution came with the stipulation that the church be dedicated to the Virgin of the Pillar, a revered manifestation of the Virgin Mary closely associated with Zaragoza.

The architectural layout of the church features a single central nave intersected by a transept, its graceful curvature covered by a sail vault. Adjacent to the nave are shallow side chapels that add to the grandeur of the space. Of particular note is the baroque-style main altarpiece, a remarkable masterpiece adorned with Inca-inspired motifs and silver craftsmanship from Peru.

The stylistic elements of the pulpit and side altars also exhibit a distinct baroque influence. The intricate 18th-century woodwork is credited to the skilled sculptor Alonso Cano. Additionally, the altar housing relics is believed to have been a bestowed gift from King Carlos III of Spain.

Why You Should Visit:
There are lots of gold-leaf used inside to good effect and a gold Madonna on the altar which is the focal point.
On weekends the plaza in front fills with craft, art, and food stalls and becomes a popular marketplace.

Tip:
The historic cloisters are open at set times (check info board outside) and you will be asked for a small per-person donation to enter.

Monday - Friday: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar) on Map

Sight Name: Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar)
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Create Your Own Walk in Buenos Aires

Create Your Own Walk in Buenos Aires

Creating your own self-guided walk in Buenos Aires is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Recoleta Neighborhood Walking Tour

Recoleta Neighborhood Walking Tour

One of Buenos Aires’ most beautiful neighborhoods, Recoleta is the city’s heart of art and elegance, grace and modernism, culture and leisure. Here you will find lots of things to do, like visiting museums, galleries and cultural centers; relaxing in one of the beautiful parks and plazas; or sampling the delicious local food.

This walking tour along Recoleta begins at the Ateneo Grand...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Palermo Area Walking Tour

Palermo Area Walking Tour

Situated just back from one of the main thoroughfares, Santa Fe Avenue (Avenida Santa Fe), Palermo is a relaxed and culturally delightful area full of restaurants, cafes, and wall murals. The tree-lined streets are shady and many of the older Spanish-style houses were converted into small shops without compromising their original character. It’s an excellent place in which to sample the city’s...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Buenos Aires Introduction Walking Tour

Buenos Aires Introduction Walking Tour

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. The city was first founded as Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre in 1536 by the Spanish. But this settlement was quickly abandoned in 1542, and the city was refounded in 1580. Buenos Aires boomed as a port city focused on trade.

Argentina gained independence from Spanish rule during the May Revolution of 1810. Today, the May...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
May Avenue Walking Tour

May Avenue Walking Tour

May Avenue (Avenida de Mayo) is one of the grandest and most important avenues in Buenos Aires, leading from Plaza de Mayo with the Pink House at one end, to Argentina’s National Congress building at the other. Named in honor of the May Revolution of 1810 which lead to the country’s independence from Spain, it is difficult not to compare this grand thoroughfare to other major boulevards around...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Top 6 Bars in San Telmo, Buenos Aires

Top 6 Bars in San Telmo, Buenos Aires

With its cobbled streets, colonial era buildings and vibrant music and art scene, San Telmo is a great place to soak up the eclectic nature of Buenos Aires’ nightlife. The area boasts dozens of bars and cafes, with some of the city’s oldest lying next to the more modern. Indeed, San Telmo...
Top 12 Cafes in Palermo, Buenos Aires

Top 12 Cafes in Palermo, Buenos Aires

The word "Palermo", believe it or not, may refer not just to Sicily, Italy, but also to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Indeed, this neighborhood (barrio) is largest in the city and is trendy and bohemian, renowned for its boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Oftentimes,...
Popular Palermo Restaurants, Buenos Aires

Popular Palermo Restaurants, Buenos Aires

Although many visitors tend to think that Argentina is a meat and potatoes country, the rich cultural heritage from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and other European countries provide a veritable smorgasboard of dining options. Palermo is the barrio in Buenos Aires often referred to as 'The Restaurant...
Buenos Aires: 16 Shopping Ideas for Travelers

Buenos Aires: 16 Shopping Ideas for Travelers

Other than a cool place to be and a dream destination for many adventure-minded folk, Buenos Aires is a great culture hub where one can experience first-hand all that Argentina has to offer - great football, terrific wine, killer steaks, and much much more. This guide is to help you steer yourself...