The building’s form alludes to its location. Calvani sculpted the history of the evangelization of Venezuela in a concrete relief on the façade above the entrance. Furthermore, the presbytery is shaped like a bohio. This is the typical dwelling of the local Indians, a hut made of wood and straw whose footprint is usually cylindrical, its roof conical.

Excerpt from from Esteban Fernández-Cobián’s article in: SOS Brutalism: A Global Survey. Catalog DAM + Wüstenrot Foundation, Zurich (Park Books) 2017

The construction started in 1982 and finished in 1996, being inaugurated during a massive ceremony given by the Pope John Paul II on his visit to Venezuela 1996. The location was chosen according to the proximity to the place where Virgin Mary appeared to Coromoto in 1651.

Special thanks to Rodrigo Capriles

The church was declared a National Historical Monument in 1989. In need of renovations. The steel roof is leaking considerably, leaving the church flooded after heavy rain.