Perhaps one of the most well known cities of South America is that of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The name of the city itself takes its origins from a medieval Sardinian devotion to the "Madonna di Bonaira" -- which could be literally translated as "good air" but "fair winds" probably better captures the proper intention of the devotion in question. Like most of Latin America, devotion to the Virgin is strong and so it will come as little surprise that there are a great many noteworthy churches dedicated to her, not least of which that which I wished to share with you today, the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar located in Buenos Aires.
The basilica is considered the second oldest church in the city, built in 1732, originally attached to a Franciscan convent. The founding architect of the basilica was a Jesuit, Andres Blanchi, who is responsible for the facade.
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The interior is a good example of South American baroque -- heavily influenced, of course, by Eureopan Hispanic baroque more generally. The main altarpiece features a central image of the Virgin and Child with Franciscan saints adorning other elements of the altarpiece.
The high altar -- which obviously was not situated here traditionally -- is quite unique for its silver antepnedium which is comprised of historical Incan ornamentation.
Located down the sides of the nave are small chapels which contain beautiful baroque side altars of which we can share a few for your interest.
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