Why pilgrims come
What makes this Catholic place significant
Costa Rica’s national sanctuary preserves the small image of Our Lady of the Angels and welcomes the immense annual romería to Cartago.
Meet Costa Rica’s Marian identity through the image known affectionately as La Negrita, the basilica and the water devotion below the sanctuary. The annual romería is essential context even when visiting at a quieter time.
What to notice
Look closely at the place and its story
La Negrita
Venerate the small stone image honored as the patroness of Costa Rica.
Sacred water devotion
Visit the spring area respectfully as part of the shrine’s established devotional landscape.
National romería
Understand why pilgrims across Costa Rica walk to Cartago each year.
Feasts, anniversaries & celebrations
How to read this page
Sources, tradition, and what is verified
No verification date is listed, so current visitor details should be confirmed directly.
This page records the site’s tradition as “Catholic.” That wording describes the nature of the claim and keeps devotional tradition distinct from independently verified history.