basilica catedral nuestra senora de la altagracia

While staying at Hard Rock Punta Cana we took a taxi trip into Higuey and the Basilica there. This amazing Basilica was built in 1972 to commemorate the vision of the Virgin Mary in a nearby orange grove. The concrete Basilica is 250 feet high and designed so that airflow keeps it cool. The beautiful shrine is done in native mahogany, as are the pews. It is well worth the taxi ride to see. On your way you will pass through several local villages and get an idea of life in the Dominican Republic. Also while in Higuey make sure you see the original old church in the middle of town and the open-air market. It was also interesting to visit their large Iberia Supermarket particularly if you want to buy some excellent local rum at a very reasonable price.They taxi ride with an English specking driver was $90.00 for up to 4 people for 3-4 hours. This is the second year in a row we have done this trip out.

Took a tour from Cap Cana to Higuey. Was interesting to see the city as well as this beautiful cathedral.

We had a short visit to the Basilica, it is beautiful. The "hand in prayer" arch is grand and the writing in 24 karat gold on the front is just a beauty to see.

We stayed at Dreams Punta Cana and wanted to make our way to Higuey but not through a tour company. Luckily there was a bus stop right outside our hotel that would take us right to the Basilica.The local bus system in punta cana is very simple but a great way to experience how locals live, we waited about 20 min at the stop but finally this little van like bus came by to pick us up. We where the only locals on the bus and it got quite full after a few stops. The 45 min drive allowed us to see the great scenary that punta cana has to offer. And all for just 100 pesos each wayOnce we got into Higuey I noticed an individual that came on the bus at one stop and had tour guide on his back. He helped us get off the right stop for the basilica and offered his servies for the day. For 1000 pesos he took me and my friend all around the city and to the basilica and the old church as well. It was a bit pricey for just two people but to be honest with you, this was money well spent as our worries about getting around and even getting back to our hotel where all eliminated. We got so see the amazing Basilica, got to walk through the local market (which was absolutley amazing, alot of cultureshock here folks). We were the only tourist here, we did not see one tour group the entire day. We even visited a local eatry that seems quite popular with the locals....I pointed it out and asked our tour guide Jesus if we could eat there, this was not problem, he helped us order and we tried some of what they had to offer......but do this at your own risk as your stomach may not agree with the food. If you have a strong stomach and have tested your ability to eat street food abroad then this might be a good experience for you....otherwise stay away.Visiting Higuey like a local and walking around the town like a local really did help me get a great vibe of this wonderfully unique town and what local living was really like.

Beautiful , large , stone, very high columns , build in1947 by French architect . Virgins Gold crown blessed by late pope John Paul 2 in in 1992. Must see to enjoy!

I suspect building this cathedral in the Dominican Republic posed many challenges. Having practiced architecture for almost 25 years, I can appreciate the tremendous effort. The design is complex and a bit eclectic but nonetheless well conceived. The grounds are a bit disappointing. But it's a special place and for those interested in modern or ecclesiastic architecture, it's a must see while in the D.R. I enjoyed my visit and would have stayed longer if I did not have family members with me. I found it to be far more interesting than the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo (with all dude respect).

We read about this cathedral in Higuey and took a drive from Punta Cana to check out. This place is visited by thousands of people a week and has a rich history to it you must read up on before taking the trip there. It was very spiritual experience for me and will remember for quite some time. Go early in the morning or mid day to avoid many of the tour busses that roll in. Great Visit!!

Beautiful, but hot in there. Make sure not to wear shorts that are too skimpy. That was our second visit there.

We hired a driver to take us through the country side to view the local culture and scenery. The Basilica de Higuey is a sight to behold. They guides will tell you about the symbolic architecture and the years it took to build. One can stand in awe inside and out and soak in the enormous doors, carvings, and statues. This cathedral houses a beautiful Madonna painting called "Our Lady of Altagracia". It is one of the most beautiful and spiritually moving pieces I have had the honor to see. The town square has the old basilica which was built in 1512. See that one first and take in the uneven stone floors and mahogany rails and statues, then go to the new one.Also tour the market place which has some of the best smells in the herb sections. The aromas were great. All types of fruits, veggies, rice and beans! If you have a weak stomach avoid the meat section. Educational and worth the trip through....just hold your breath!Street venders were all throughout with their wares and ate some of the best food from the street carts, also drank sugar cane water squeezed directly from the cane as we were standing there. Ask for a lime to squeeze in it as it is really sweet. Lime cuts the sweetness and makes it delightful!

we stopped here as part of a trip the church is very lovely and shaped to depict praying hands. one tip I would have try and visit a toilet before as the ones for use are not very nice

Took a excursion from our hotel in LaRomana to the basilica in higuey. Very beautiful, tells a great story. Worth the trip.

This cathedral is beautiful and there no fee to enjoy it. Around cathedral vendors in the street which you can enjoy higuey cheese.

My intent was to get to Santo Domino as fast as possible from Punta Cana. Needed to catch a plane. Driver explained that taking the bus to Higuey in the next ten minutes was better than waiting around for the bus direct to Santo Domingo another 1.5 hr. Once in Higuey, buses run every 30 mins. Only two or three a day run out of Fruili, next to Punta Cana. I hear a taxi from Punta Cana to Santi Domingo is $200. Anyways, what a surprise to see the cathedral out the bus window. I had seen the image passing by while googling DR. And the bus stopped right ok front of it. Rather than taking the next connection, decided this is a chance not to be missed. I schlepped my bags over and up the walk into the most beautiful modern chapel. Kitsch, and modern gothic at once. A New Year's Day Mass was in service. I was embraced by the believers at intervals, and wooed with Latin chants. If you find yourself lost to the pressures of travel and the excesses of vacation, a sanctuary such as this is a haven of solace.

This Basilica is a must see if you're travelling nearby. It's gorgeous if put in the context of the surroundings. Recommended.

We had a personal guide to take us in to Higuey to see the Basilica.In fact both trips to the Dominican Republic we have visited and we see something different each time.