The Co‑Cathedral Basilica of St. Agnes, also called Basílica Concatedral de Santa Inés, serves as the oldest Catholic church in Cumaná, Venezuela. It stands in the San Francisco neighborhood beside the Castillo de Santa María de La Cabeza ruins. Moreover, the church remains a central site of worship, heritage, and community life in the city. Each year, locals and visitors attend services, events, and celebrations at this historic basilica. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel came earlier, but St. Agnes became the enduring spiritual center of Cumaná. In addition, the basilica carries deep religious and cultural meaning for residents.
Church leaders preserved the co‑cathedral title granted by Pope Pius XI in the papal bull Ad Munus. Furthermore, this title remained even after Seo Cordis Iesu became the main cathedral of the archdiocese. On November 28, 2023, Pope Francis elevated the church to the rank of Minor Basilica. Then, on January 19, 2024, Archbishop Jesús González de Zárate led the solemn dedication of the altar and church. In the same ceremony, the Chancellor of the archdiocese, Father Mauricio Rodríguez Gil, read the decree of elevation. Additionally, local clergy and lay members celebrated this milestone with joy and devotion.
The basilica continues to welcome pilgrims, tourists, and parishioners. It remains a symbol of faith, tradition, and history in eastern Venezuela. Moreover, St. Agnes inspires spiritual reflection and strengthens community identity. Many families visit to pray, attend Mass, and honor the sacred legacy of this ancient church.
Co-Cathedral Basilica of St. Agnes C. Sucre, c/c C. Sta. Inés, Cumaná 6101, Sucre, Venezuela
Contact Number
+582934310722
How to Reach
Co-Cathedral Basilica of St. Agnes, Cumaná, Venezuela
Airways
The nearest airport to the basilica is Antonio José de Sucre Airport (CUM), located only about 5.5 kilometers east of Cumaná’s city center, which offers domestic flights and convenient access for travelers arriving by air.
Railways
Venezuela currently does not operate passenger rail services in the Cumaná region, so visitors rely on road transport, such as intercity bus services or private vehicles, for land travel to and from the basilica.
Roadways
By road, Cumaná connects with other major cities via national highways and bus services; the Terminal de Pasajeros de Cumaná serves regional and national routes, making bus travel a practical option for reaching the basilica from surrounding areas.
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