Aparecida do Norte

Aparecida, in the interior of Sao Paulo state, is Brazil's premier religious tourism destination. The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, inaugurated in 1980, is the second-largest Catholic church in the world, with a capacity of 45,000 people.

Besides the imposing New Basilica, the complex includes the Old Basilica (where the original image was housed), the Passarela da Fe (a 400-meter walkway over the Paraiba do Sul River), Morro do Cruzeiro with panoramic views, and the Wax Museum.

The city welcomes over 12 million visitors per year, especially in October (the patron saint's month) and during religious holidays. It is a deeply moving experience of faith, culture, and emotion.