Why pilgrims come
A sacred place worth the journey.
One of Nicaragua’s principal pilgrimage sanctuaries preserves the revered image of the Immaculate Conception and the distinctive December Lavada de la Plata tradition.
TraditionCatholic
The pilgrim’s guide
What makes this visit meaningful
Visit El Viejo as a national Marian pilgrimage, especially through the image known as the Virgen del Trono and the Lavada de la Plata that expresses Nicaragua’s Purísima devotion.
01
The Virgin of the Throne
Encounter the Marian image at the center of the sanctuary’s national devotion.
02
Lavada de la Plata
Learn the December tradition of washing the silver treasures associated with the Virgin.
03
National shrine and basilica
Experience one of Nicaragua’s principal Catholic pilgrimage churches.
Feasts & celebrations
Lavada de la PlataThe traditional washing of the Virgin’s silver treasures precedes the Immaculate Conception celebrations.