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Visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is much more than stepping into a temple: it is entering into the history of faith, the tradition of a people, and the beauty of a monument that beats as the spiritual heart of Aragon. Beneath its majestic baroque domes rests the Holy Column, the relic that, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary left to the Apostle James to sustain his mission of evangelization.
Every year, millions of pilgrims, tourists, and curious visitors arrive at the Pillar to pray, attend Mass, admire its artistic treasures, or simply let themselves be embraced by the peace it radiates. And naturally, one of the most frequently asked questions is:
👉 What are the opening hours of the Basilica of the Pillar?
In this article, you will find all the updated information on opening times, Mass schedules, liturgical celebrations, and curiosities. This way, you can plan your visit in the best possible way and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
🕰️ Opening Hours of the Basilica of the Pillar
The Basilica follows a stable schedule throughout the year, with slight variations between weekdays, Saturdays, and holy days.
✅ Schedule of the Main Altar
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 – 13:30 and 16:30 – 20:15
- Saturdays: 7:30 – 11:45 and 16:30 – 20:30
- Sundays and religious feast days: 7:30 – 13:30 and 16:30 – 21:30
✅ Schedule of the Holy Chapel
The Holy Chapel, where the image of Our Lady of the Pillar is venerated, is open every day from 8:00 to 20:30.
Here you can venerate the Holy Column and draw near to kiss it, a devotional gesture performed by thousands of pilgrims each day.
👉 Important: access to the Holy Chapel may be regulated during the most crowded celebrations to maintain order and prayer.
🙏 Mass Times at the Basilica of the Pillar
The life of the Basilica revolves around the liturgy. Every day, several Masses are celebrated to serve both the faithful of Zaragoza and the many pilgrims.
✅ Masses from Monday to Friday
- 7:00
- 8:00
- 9:00
- 10:00
- 11:00
- 12:00 (Capitular Mass, solemn and sung)
- 13:00
- 18:00
- 19:00
- 20:00
✅ Saturday Masses
The same schedule as on weekdays.
✅ Masses on Sundays and Feast Days
- 7:00
- 8:00
- 9:00
- 10:00
- 11:00
- 12:00 (High Mass, solemn and sung)
- 13:00
- 14:00
- 18:00
- 19:00
- 20:00
👉 The 12:00 Mass is the most solemn, accompanied by choral music and a deeply reverent atmosphere. Attending it is a unique spiritual experience that blends liturgy, art, and tradition.
🌹 The Moment of Offering to the Virgin
One of the most intimate and moving gestures for pilgrims is kissing the Pillar. Thousands of people pass each day to rest their hand on the Holy Column and entrust their intentions to the Virgin.
This simple act sums up centuries of history and faith: the same gesture was performed by kings, saints, and entire generations of Aragonese devotees.
🎶 The Chant of “Blessed and Praised”
One of the most cherished traditions of the Pillar is the chant of “Blessed and Praised be the hour…”, recited inside the Basilica.
- It is sung three times a day: at 9:00, 12:00, and 20:00.
- It is not sung at midnight, as the Basilica is closed at that time.
- The most solemn moment is at midday, when voices rise within the temple in a collective prayer to Our Lady of the Pillar.
Listening to this chant live is an unforgettable memory, capable of moving even those who are not believers.
🕯️ Special Schedules on Liturgical Feast Days
The Basilica adapts its schedules and celebrations on the most significant dates of the Christian calendar:
- Holy Week: solemn offices, processions, and vigils.
- Christmas: the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is especially well-attended.
- October 12, Feast of the Pillar: the Basilica opens in an extraordinary way to welcome thousands of pilgrims who participate in the Offering of Flowers and the Offering of Fruits, a unique spectacle of faith and tradition.
🏛️ More Than Schedules: Art, Culture, and Spirituality
Visiting the Pillar is not limited to checking opening hours. Every corner of the temple holds history, beauty, and faith:
- The Holy Chapel, designed by Ventura Rodríguez, is the devotional heart of the temple.
- The domes painted by Francisco de Goya are a treasure of universal art.
- Climbing the tower of the Pillar offers one of the best panoramic views of Zaragoza.
- The mantles of the Virgin, donated by faithful from all over the world, narrate centuries of devotion and popular culture.
⭐ Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early in the morning if you want to pray more peacefully.
- Respect the liturgical acts: remember that the Basilica is above all a place of prayer.
- Listen at least once to the “Blessed and Praised” chant: it is a moving tradition.
- Mark the 12:00 Mass on your schedule: an unrepeatable spiritual and cultural experience.
- Visit the Holy Chapel calmly: the encounter with Our Lady of the Pillar is the most awaited moment for everyone.
📌 Conclusion
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza is not just a monument: it is a meeting place between faith, culture, and history. Knowing its opening hours, Mass times, and traditions will allow you to experience your visit to the fullest.
Whether to pray, admire the art, listen to the “Blessed and Praised,” or simply be enveloped by its unique atmosphere, the Pillar always opens its doors with a message that echoes across the centuries:
“Do not be afraid, my son, for I am with you”, said the Virgin to the Apostle James. And that promise is still alive today, for every person who enters this sanctuary.
