Remarkable church built atop cliff
Category

Culture

Est. Duration

30-60m

Age requirement

All ages

Message from João Petersen

The Santuario Blanca Estrella de la Mar, otherwise known as the Sanctuary of Olón, is a remarkable church located in the province of Santa Elena. Built atop a rocky cliff, its unique design resembles that of a sailboat complete with deck and bow; inside the bow is an altar of carved wood, featuring a shell adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary. This catholic sanctuary has become part of a popular religious route known as 'The Seven Churches' and is visited by both locals and visitors alike. On September 8th 1984, the Festival of the Nativity of Mary, the temple was inaugurated and in 1990 it made headlines when the image of the Virgen Rosa Mística reportedly shed bloody tears. To this day, spots of these alleged blood tears can still be seen on the face of the image. In 2010, the SECG (Risk Management Secretariat) prohibited mass from taking place at the summit due to severe damage provoked by heavy rains. Nevertheless, thanks to the priest in charge, Father Helmut Nagorziansy, various restorative works have since been undertaken to protect the structure.

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