Luján

Luján is best known for its large, neo-gothic Basilica, built in honor of the Virgin of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina. Every year, more than six million people make pilgrimages to the basilica, many walking there from Buenos Aires. The city is known as La Capital de la Fe (Capital of the Faith). It is a popular day-trip for non-believers too, with abundant grill restaurants (like most places in Argentina) and souvenir shops with kitsch religious memorabilia.

The church was designed by the French architect Ulderico Courtois and started in 1889, completed by 1937. Its towers stand 106 m (348 ft) high, and it has a copper roof and bronze doors. The huge church towers over the surrounding flat country and houses the tiny 38 cm (15 in) high statue of the Virgin. A large and important organ by French builder Cavaille-Coll stands in the gallery in a state of deterioration, although efforts are underway to see to its restoration. The development of the city was altered by the basilica's construction, as the main commercial district in the city began to move away from the basilica, being replaced by shops for religious pilgrims.