Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

Bolivia


Dedicated to the Virgen de Candelaria (the patron of Oruro miners), this small church is a colorful 19th-century reconstruction of the 1771 original and figures prominently in Oruro’s Carnaval.

The ceiling features a star-studded night sky with painted depictions of the four creatures that, according to local legend, were sent by the spirit of the sky, Huari, to destroy the Uru people: a serpent, a lizard, a giant frog and ants.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bolivia attractions

2. Plaza del Folklore Stairway

0.02 MILES

Starting from the western side of Plaza del Folklore, a stairway takes you huffing and puffing to a handful of interesting murals depicting Carnaval…

3. Teleférico Turístico

0.06 MILES

These slick cable cars transport passengers on an 823m journey high above Oruro from Plaza del Folklore to the Virgen del Socavón statue atop Cerro Santa…

4. Cathedral

0.39 MILES

On the leafy square just east of Plaza 10 Febrero is the cathedral, which has fine stained glass above the altar. The adjacent tower was constructed by…

5. Faro de Conchupata

0.42 MILES

On November 17, 1851, Bolivia’s flag was first raised at Faro de Conchupata: red for the courage of the Bolivian army, gold for the country’s mineral…

6. Portada del Beaterio

0.43 MILES

It’s worth checking out this facade of a convent, which is carved with ornate plant and bird motifs. It's located a couple of blocks southeast of Plaza 10…

7. Casa de la Cultura Simón Patiño

0.45 MILES

The grand former residence of tin baron Simón Patiño is now a museum, displaying his furniture, personal bric-a-brac, musical instruments and fine toys …