Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude – Oaxaca CIty
The stunning Basilica of Our lady of Solitude (Basílica de la Virgin de la Soledad) is a large seventeenth century church in the centre of Oaxaca just six blocks from the zócalo. The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude is more commonly referred to as La Soledad and is the home to a statue of the ‘Virgin of Solitude’ (virgin de la soledad) who is Oaxaca’s saint. La Soledad is a seventeenth century church with a spectacularly entrance that is intricately carved in a baroque style. The construction of La Soledad started in 1682 and was completed in 1689 and it was officially consecrated in 1697 by the archbishop Isidro Sariñana.
According to local folklore La Soledad is located where it is because a mule driver on his way through Oaxaca from Veracruz noticed that he had gained an extra mule from somewhere. At what is now the location of La Soledad, this mule collapsed and when the bags that it was carrying were removed it promptly died. In the bags, an image of the ‘Virgin of Solitude’ (virgen de la soledad) in the company of Christ was found with a legend that read “The Virgin of Solitude at Christ’s feet”. This was taken as a sign of divinity, and the construction of a sanctuary was ordered in honour of the divine occurance.
La Soledad church is also the location of many stalls selling nieves (traditional Oaxacan Ice Cream), and many come to the plaza in front of La Soledad to enjoy one of these refreshing delights.
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A map showing the location of the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude
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Photos of La Solidad Church
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