Title: Virgen de Luján
Description: The shrine of Our Lady of Luján, built between 1890 and 1935, is a majestic neo-Gothic-style temple that was officially granted it the title of basilica in 1930 by Pope Pius XII. Our Lady of Luján is recognized as patron saint of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, and more than 3 million pilgrims arrive each year at the shrine. The origin of this devotion dates back to 1630, when the small clay image (38 cm high) representing the Immaculate Conception came from Brazil. The statue of this dark-skin Virgin Mary was adorned with the patriotic colors in 1737. The photographs taken by Adrián Melo highlight the statue and its details, the architecture and the different areas of the sanctuary and the devotees, the pilgrims and the rituals and celebrations around the sacred image.
Subjects: Symbolism, Pictorial works, Art, Devotion to, Christian saints, Cult, Luján, Our Lady of, Religious life and customs, Devotion
Places: Argentina, Luján (Buenos Aires), Mexico, Luján (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
People: Mary Blessed Virgin, Saint, Mary (New Testament figure)