The Basilica of El Cisne, called the Basilica of Our Lady of El Cisne, stands in El Cisne, Loja Province.
Moreover, this Catholic church forms an essential part of the National Shrine of Our Lady of El Cisne in Ecuador.
Over centuries, devotion to the Virgin of El Cisne encouraged believers to construct four successive temples reflecting faith and perseverance.
Initially, the community built a modest hut with a thatched roof, marking the earliest expression of local Marian worship traditions.
Subsequently, residents expanded the structure slightly and added a tile roof, signaling permanence and growing religious commitment within the village.
Later, in 1750, the faithful erected a third church that housed valued religious images from the Quito School tradition proudly.
Afterward, on August 15, 1934, builders began the current temple, pursuing a grand vision for future pilgrims and enduring devotion.
Importantly, construction continued for decades and concluded on November 17, 1978, through sustained communal dedication and shared spiritual perseverance together.
Then, in 1980, Saint John Paul II elevated the church to basilica status, recognizing its national importance within Ecuadorian Catholicism.
Beyond worship, the Pilgrim’s House welcomes visitors and offers shelter, meeting rooms, and affordable lodging for reflection and spiritual renewal.
Additionally, this space encourages rest, dialogue, and peaceful encounters within the sacred environment of El Cisne for pilgrims and seekers.
Nearby, the Museum of Our Lady of El Cisne preserves devotional gifts offered by pilgrims over generations of faithful visitors.
Furthermore, the museum displays valuable religious art, including significant objects originating from the high altar of the third historic church.
Consequently, these collections communicate gratitude, miracles, and cultural identity, linking tangible heritage with enduring spiritual meaning for diverse visiting communities.
Ultimately, the Basilica of El Cisne unites history, faith, hospitality, and art, serving Ecuador’s pilgrimage tradition today with continuity, pride.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Swan, El Cisne, Ecuador
Airways
The nearest airport to the shrine is Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH) near Catamayo (also known as Camilo Ponce Enriquez Airport), which serves the Loja Province and offers domestic flights. From the airport, travellers can continue by road to El Cisne — it’s approximately 34–35 km by bus or car from Catamayo/Loja Airport to the shrine area, taking around 30–40 minutes on the highway.
Railways
There is no direct railway service to El Cisne as part of Ecuador’s regular passenger rail network, and rail travel is generally not used for pilgrimage or regional transport in this part of the country. Ecuador’s main rail routes are either closed or oriented toward tourism experiences elsewhere, not for local connectivity to El Cisne.
Roadways
El Cisne is accessible by road from nearby cities and towns. It lies roughly 70 km northwest of the city of Loja, and the most common highway access is by road via Loja – Catamayo – San Pedro de la Bendita – El Cisne. Buses from Loja to El Cisne run regularly, covering this distance in about 1 hour. Within the region, local bus services and taxi routes connect the shrine with Catamayo and Loja’s main transport terminals.
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