This saintly sanctuary, one block east of Plaza Girardot, is the most revered city site. Choroní-born Madre María (1875–1967) was beatified by papal decree in 1995. Her remains were exhumed and, to everybody’s shock, the corpse was allegedly intact. You can see her diminutive body in a crystal sarcophagus in the Santuario (though the face and hands are covered with masks).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.37 MILES
Commissioned by Gómez in 1934, this Soviet-esque theater was intended to be the best in the country, to match the capital status of the city. An immense…
-
28.17 MILES
The sovereign state of Venezuela was born in this historic house on May 6, 1830, when Congress convened here and decreed secession from Gran Colombia…
-
27.75 MILES
This beautifully preserved historic mansion is the former home of Venezuela’s first president, General José Antonio Páez. He distinguished himself by…
-
0.13 MILES
Set on the northern side of Parque Bicentenario, this fine mansion was built in 1927 by Gómez for his favorite mistress, Dolores Amelia Núñez de Cáceres…
-
0.36 MILES
This is the only aeronautical museum in the country and well worth a look. There are about 40 aircraft on display, including four helicopters. Many are…
-
27.83 MILES
This colonial cathedral is about 420 years old, but it’s been altered by so many generations that today it’s a hodgepodge of historical styles. The latest…
Nearby Venezuela attractions
0.13 MILES
Set on the northern side of Parque Bicentenario, this fine mansion was built in 1927 by Gómez for his favorite mistress, Dolores Amelia Núñez de Cáceres…
0.36 MILES
This is the only aeronautical museum in the country and well worth a look. There are about 40 aircraft on display, including four helicopters. Many are…
0.37 MILES
Commissioned by Gómez in 1934, this Soviet-esque theater was intended to be the best in the country, to match the capital status of the city. An immense…
27.75 MILES
This beautifully preserved historic mansion is the former home of Venezuela’s first president, General José Antonio Páez. He distinguished himself by…
27.83 MILES
This colonial cathedral is about 420 years old, but it’s been altered by so many generations that today it’s a hodgepodge of historical styles. The latest…
28.17 MILES
The sovereign state of Venezuela was born in this historic house on May 6, 1830, when Congress convened here and decreed secession from Gran Colombia…