So technically not in Pasto, Colombia, but rather in the city of Ipiales, you’ll find this one of a kind church. It’s about an hour drive away from Pasto, and well worth the trip (in my biased opinion).
The Roman Catholic basilica is named Santuario de las Lajas (Las Lajas Sanctuary), in reference to the “Lajas,” the stone type that makes up the cliffs on either side of the structure. The creation of the church in such an unusual place was inspired by another legend. It is said that a woman by the name of Maria Mueces was seeking shelter during a storm with her mute daughter Rosa in 1754. They found refuge under one of the big stones and survived the storm. That was the first miracle. The second miracle was when Rosa shouted to her mother, “la mestiza is calling me,” after seeing an apparition that helped navigate their way back home. Rosa was then able to hear and speak.
When Maria Mueces tried to tell people of these miracles, no one believed her. She finally managed to get a priest and some other locals to see come see the spot where the miracles had happened. That is when the third miracle took place. An image of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus appeared carved on the stone in that exact spot.
Ever since, shrines were built around the image of the Virgin. Eventually, the church was constructed and became a site of pilgrimage for those in need of miracles. Plaques from thankful believers that have received their miracles now line the lajas surrounding the sanctuary. The church was declared a Basilica by the Vatican in 1994. The image of the Virgin still remains on the stone wall on the back of the basilica. There still has not been another explanation of the image, and this story is told during every mass thanking the Virgin Mary.
Besides the legends, religion, and miracles, this is an architectural delight. The way the basilica is structured in a valley over a river is something to marvel over.
A little off the beaten, but well worth the visit!
Expat(ish) 
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I didn’t have a chance to make it this far south when I was in Colombia last year, but I want to come here so badly. Thanks for sharing!
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It’s a little out of the way of the more popular locations, but definitely worth the time if you ever get another chance!
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Well, we might not disagree with you, looking at the pictures! heheh especially when the lights come on!
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The lights are something new. I had visited years ago before they had them. While it is beautiful regardless, the lights definitely awed me!
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Hello! I have nominated you for a blog award. You can read about it here https://jenstewie.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thanks so much!:)
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You’re welcome 🙂
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The Church is stunning, inside and out!
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I’m glad you think so, I agree!
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What a beautiful church, especially all lit up at night! Definitely rivals churches in Europe. I would love to see if someday.
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How fascinating! I can’t wait to see it for myself! I had no idea about the history of the place.
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What a stunningly located basilica and I get your bias. It does look so beautiful and ornate. What adds charm is the legend behind it 🙂
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I know, that’s my favorite part! It’s cool that there’s a little mystery and that people believe so strongly.
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I literally just saw a photo of this church on Instagram and it blew me away. I could not believe it is located in Colombia. Why didn’t I know about this during my visit? It’s obvious I now MUST return. Not that I needed this church to encourage me. I absolutely adore Colombia.
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You have no idea how happy that makes me. I feel like it’s definitely a little known place, so it’s cool that it popped out for you. That means you’ll definitely have to make another visit 🙂
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I did not know this existed. It is so lovely, thank you for sharing!
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It’s so beautiful and so little known! I’m glad you liked it 🙂
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Woowwww! I’ll definitely add this to my bucket list! :O
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I would definitely recommend it for the food! And Notre Dame Basilica is breathtaking too!
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Hi Ana, this place looks amazing. It is on my Bucket list for sure! I have also shared on my site, pinned it on The Americas map, check it out here if you like – https://www.thetravelblogs.com/the-americas/
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Wow this church is really spectacular!
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