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The Basilica Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, best known for the Dominican people as the Higüey Basilica. It is located in the city of Salvaleón de Higüey, in the Dominican Republic, It is one of the most popular Catholic shrines of the Caribbean.

The Basilica was built in the same place occupied by an ancient shrine where it appeared. The Virgin of Altagracia, year 1572. The construction of this architectural work was subjected to competition, announced in the year 1947. However, It was not until 1949, When the proposal of the French architects. André Dunoyer de Segonzac and Pierre Dupré, turns out to be the one selected. Its construction began in 1954, on the orders of the first bishop of Higuey, Monsignor Juan Félix Pepén.

After seventeen years in construction, The Basilica is opened the 21 in January of 1971, by the then President of the Republic, Dr. Joaquín Balaguer. The 12 in October of the same year, It was declared as a monument. Dominican, and the 17 in October of the same year the Pope. Paul VI declares it as a minor Basilica. Two years later, the 15 August of 1973, it becomes a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of our. Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, by Apostolic mandate.

From Rome, the Basilica was blessed by the Pope. John Paul II, and the 12 October of 1992, in his second visit to the country, bless her personally, where also crowned the image of La Altagracia with a headband in silver.

Higüey Basilica is today one of the most visited religious temples or shrines. It is the image of La Altagracia, which was the first evangelizer of America and the new world and protector of the Dominican people.