Just 45 minutes by car from Iberostate Bávaro along the new highway lies the municipality of Higüey, a city developed around the cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia, the name given to the province and country's patron saint.
The sanctuary was the first dedicated to the Virgin Mary in America. The original church, made of wood, was destroyed by a fire, leading to the construction of the stone sanctuary used ever since. On 21 August 1881 it was damaged by an earthquake before being rebuilt with the alms of Higüey's inhabitants. Work first began on the old sanctuary in 1569. It has a single plain nave, with a vault ceiling which supports five arches of elegant simplicity and robustness. It has a complete hemispherical dome and seashell which shelters the site of the high altar The dome is decorated with a stone star, while the arches have a series of decorative rosettes embedded in them.
The high altar, with a silver altar at its centre, is a magnificent 16th century work made of rich hand-carved mahogany. The altar table has a decorative front made of silver, with this metal also covering the step and the tabernacle. The front is simple, so too is the not very high tower or bell tower. The true image of Mary is a canvas which admirably represents her divine maternity. It is surrounded by a gold and silver frame, embedded with gemstones, most notably beautiful emeralds surrounded by diamonds.
This cathedral is one of the most visited sanctuaries in the Caribbean and one of the most respected religious monuments in the Dominican Republic. The modern nature of the church constitutes a bold and elevated line in modern architecture. The main arch of the church rises to 80 metres. The interior consists of a nave and transept covered by a series of vaults that reinforce and spread out majestically.
The Basilica of Higüey is a must for those who want to experience the local culture and traditions.
You can check the opening times and other information of interest about the Basilica on its website http://www.basilicahiguey.com/.