Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean

Portal of Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean

Cuba - Santuario Nacional del Cobre (National Sanctuary of El Cobre)

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre occupies a building erected in 1927. On May 10th, 1916, Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922) consecrated the virgin as the Patron Saint of Cuba. On September 8th, a large crowd of devotees congregates at the sanctuary. Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre is also worshipped by the Afro-Cuban religions, in Santería or Regla de Ocha she is linked to Ochún.

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It is a National Monument as part of the Cultural landscape of El Cobre

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National Sanctuary of El Cobre. Main façade of the basilica . Photo: Nilson Acosta
National Sanctuary of El Cobre. Inside the basilica during Mass. Photo: Nilson Acosta
National Sanctuary of El Cobre. Back view of the basilica . Photo: Nilson Acosta
National Sanctuary of El Cobre. Entrance to the town of El Cobre. Photo: Nilson Acosta
National Sanctuary of El Cobre. Details of the altar. Photo: Nilson Acosta

Other data of interest

Cuba

Historical name

Iglesia de la Caridad del Cobre (Church of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre)

Founding Date

1926, (inauguration 8 September 1927)

Address

Poblado del Cobre, Santiago de Cuba , PC: 90100 .

Phone numbers

(53) 2234 6118

Responsible entity

Catholic Church

Management plan

Classification

Construction

Category

National monument

Function-Testimony

Religious-ceremonial site

Access level

Restricted

Current Use

Religious temple

Original use

Religious temple

Property kind

Private

Expressions of intangible heritage associated

The sanctuary is the most visited religious temple of Cuba. Catholic devotees as well as those of Afro-Cuban beliefs worship the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre and bring their offerings to this site. On September 8th there is an impressive celebration, and families represented by different generations show their devotion to the Virgin.