Sao Paulo Trip Overview
Don’t miss the chance to explore the largest Catholic temple in Brazil and the largest cathedral in the world, the Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. Millions of pilgrims from all parts of Brazil visit the shrine every year to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and admire the monumental temple.
The shrine is located in the countryside about 2:00 h from the city of São Paulo accessible by car.
In order to welcome approximately 12 million pilgrims every year, the Sanctuary provides its devotees with an area of more than 1.3 million square meters, with about 143 thousand square meters of built-up area filled with a myriad of attractions.
The main reason for the visits are religious. Accompanied by a guide, visit the National Shrine, pass by the image of Our Lady Aparecida and exchange glances with her, participate in a Holy Mass, make requests, thank graces received, pay promises, appreciate craftsmanship, majestic forms and stained-glass windows.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 hours
Starts: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Sao Paulo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Don’t miss the chance to explore the largest Catholic temple in Brazil and the largest cathedral in the world, the Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. Millions of pilgrims from all parts of Brazil visit the shrine every year to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and admire the monumental temple.
The shrine is located in the countryside about 2:00 h from the city of São Paulo accessible by car.
In order to welcome approximately 12 million pilgrims every year, the Sanctuary provides its devotees with an area of more than 1.3 million square meters, with about 143 thousand square meters of built-up area filled with a myriad of attractions.
The main reason for the visits are religious. Accompanied by a guide, visit the National Shrine, pass by the image of Our Lady Aparecida and exchange glances with her, participate in a Holy Mass, make requests, thank graces received, pay promises, appreciate craftsmanship, majestic forms and stained-glass windows.
Stop At: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Following pick-up at your hotel in São Paulo, we drive for 2 hours to the Shrine, located in the city of Aparecida in the state of São Paulo.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida, Avenida Doutor Julio Prestes s/n, Aparecida, State of Sao Paulo 12570-000 Brazil
The temple, the largest in the country, houses the 36 cm image of Our Lady of Aparecida.
The sanctuary is the largest in the world dedicated to Mather Mary. 12 million pilgrims pass through yearly, making it the main pilgrimage point in Brazil.
In addition to the image, the basilica has the chapel of the candles, where the devotees pray. Each weekend, up to 10 tons of paraffin are taken off from the place. In the Hall of Promises are thousands of objects and photographs of devotees who reported miracles.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Passarela da Fe, Avenida Doutor Julio Prestes Basílica de Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Aparecida, State of Sao Paulo 12570-000 Brazil
Footbridge of Faith
The structure is 392 meters long and reaches a height of 35 meters at its highest point, connects the National Sanctuary of Aparecida to the Old Basilica.
The footbridge is a traditional pilgrimage spot for pilgrims who many cross on their knees to pay promises made to Our Lady of Aparecida. The footbridge also offers a panoramic view of the largest Catholic temple in Brazil.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Matriz Basilica Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Praca Nossa Senhora Aparecida 313, Aparecida, State of Sao Paulo 12570-000 Brazil
Old Basilica
Known as Old Basilica, the church is in the downtown area of the city of Aparecida and used to be a meeting point for pilgrims before the construction of the National Sanctuary. The two churches are connected today by the footbridge of faith.
With works started in 1845 and completed in 1888, the church received the title of Basilica of Aparecida from the Vatican in 1908. In 1982, it was listed as a monument of historical, religious and architectural interest.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Teleférico, Rua Monte Carmelo, 41, centro, Aparecida SP, Aparecida – SP, 12570-000, Brazil
The cable car connects the National Sanctuary to Hill of the Santo Cruzeiro. On average about 2 thousand visitors per day rides on the cars.
The section covered by the cable car is approximately 1,170 meters long and 115 meter high passing over a major highway nearby.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Morro do Cruzeiro, Rodovia Presidente Dutra SP-062 Bairro Santa Rita, Aparecida, State of Sao Paulo 12570-000 Brazil
Hill of the Santo Cruzeiro is accessible by cable car. Devotees also climb the Morro do Cruzeiro in procession to remember the Way of the Cross. Along the way it has 14 stations that recall the last steps of Jesus Christ to the Calvary.
The hill is 900 meters long and 83 meters high.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
After having such a spiritual day, we journey back to the city of São Paulo where the tour started. We’ll engage in a conversation about your interests and our expertise, whether that can be religion, or cultural history of the area.
Duration: 2 hours
