Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth of Exile

The Basílica Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré in Belém, Pará, is the principal Marian shrine of the city and the focal point for the annual Círio de Nazaré devotion. It houses the locally venerated image of Our Lady of Nazareth and functions as a major pilgrimage destination in northern Brazil.

The church interior centres on the main altar and the image of the Virgin, which is carried during the Círio procession and is the object of year-round devotion by parishioners. The basilica complex accommodates large numbers of pilgrims and associated devotional activities during the festival.

The shrine developed from long-standing local devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth and has been rebuilt and expanded over time to serve growing numbers of faithful and visitors. It is a central institution in Belém’s religious life and civic calendar.

The basilica is located in central Belém, within the urban fabric of the city and close to other civic and religious sites on the banks of the Guajará Bay.

• Círio de Nazaré: The basilica is the spiritual centre of the annual Círio de Nazaré procession in Belém, an event that draws very large numbers of pilgrims each October.

What to See #

• Main altar and image: The main altar houses the venerated statue of Our Lady of Nazareth, which is the focal point for devotions and for the annual Círio procession that departs from the basilica precincts.