Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude

Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad) is at Av. Independencia #107 (at Calle Victoria), 5 blks. w. of the Zócalo. This massive 17th-century structure, actually a complex of several buildings and a garden, has a richly carved exterior. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin of Solitude (Virgen de la Soledad). A statue of the Virgin, Oaxaca's patron saint, is displayed above the altar, draped in jewel-encrusted black velvet.

The interior is an extravagant showcase of baroque ornamentation. A museum to the rear of the church displays a replica of the Virgin statue. It also contains glass panels depicting the legend of her arrival in the city and an enormous assemblage of gifts (primarily miniature glass figurines) sent in tribute. Exhibit information is in Spanish.