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Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Caridad del Cobra, Santiago de Cuba is one of the popular tourist attractions in Sandiago de Cuba. It is situated beyond the city limits. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Caridad del Cobra, Santiago de Cuba is also one of the well known site of sightseeing in Santiago de Cuba.

Cobre is a small mining town in Santiago de Cuba. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Caridad del Cobra, Santiago de Cuba is one of the famous churches of Cobre in Cuba. The massive Basilica set against the background of the lush greenary looks stunning with its three red topped towers. The Cathedral is best known for the statue of “Virgin del Cobra”, or the Patroness of Cuba. The statue is a black Madonna in a lavish yellow dress, adorned with precious gems. There is a diamond and amethyst cross in her hand and she is crowned with diamonds, rubies end emeralds. The statue remains in an air conditioned glass counter and is brought out for display to public on the occassion of the annual procession, on September 8.

There is a legend behind the origin of this statue of La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre. It is said that, in 1613, two native black boys lived here. They were brothers. Once they went in search of salt to the Nipe Bay, in the northern coast of Cuba. They saw the image of the Virgin Caridad del Cobre. The image was taken to the town of Real of Minas, which was very near to Santiago de Cuba. The inhabitants took the image as a blessing from heaven and built a hermitage for the idol, at the side of the mines, in the same place where the church is presently situated.

The Cubans developed great devotion for the idol and specially during the War of Independence during 1868, the belief reached its zenith. On the request of the soldiers Pope Pio XI authorized the coronation of Virgin Caridad del Cobre. The coronation took place on December 20, 1936 by the then Bishop of Santiago de Cuba.

The Sanctuary was built in 1927 and still every morning a mass takes place in the church. Around 500 people visit the place every day and offers golden jewelleries, gems and other valuable objects. Even a tiny stone from the mine in the neighborhood has got immense religious value to the pilgrims in terms of peace and happiness in their life. They preserve it carefully.

The Virgin del Cobre was blessed by Pope John Paul in 1998.

So don't miss the holy Sanctuary of the Virgin del Cobre during your Cuba Tour.

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