Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean

Portal of Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean

Cuba - Santuario Nacional de San Lázaro (Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary)

The church, close to the leper colony, is witness to one of the most popular expressions of religious fervour in Cuba. Worshippers, who attribute to Saint Lazarus, or Babalú Ayé, a great generosity to grant personal petitions and to work miracles, usually go to this site on December 17th, either on foot or using any means of transport available.

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The site is in excellent condition. It was awarded the National Prize for Monument Restoration because of the intervention made in 2015.

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Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. View of illuminated church . Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. Restoration of areas inside the Sanctuary. Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. View of main altar . Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. Image of Saint Lazarus or Babalú Ayé. Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. Present state of construction . Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. Celebration on December 17 . Photo: National Restoration Award File
Saint Lazarus National Sanctuary. Historical image of Church and Leprosarium. Photo: National Restoration Award File

Other data of interest

Cuba

Historical name

Iglesia y Leprosorio de San Lázaro (Saint Lazarus Church and Leper Colony)

Founding Date

1936 (current facilities)

Address

El Rincón, Santiago de las Vegas, Boyeros, La Habana , PC: 10800 .

Responsible entity

Catholic Church

Management plan

Classification

Construction

Function-Testimony

Religious-ceremonial site

Access level

Free

Current Use

Religious temple

Original use

Religious temple

Property kind

Private

Expressions of intangible heritage associated

Every year on the eve of December 17th there is a religious procession of worshippers of Saint Lazarus, the largest of its kind to take place in Cuba.