The Basílica del Cobre was built in 1926
and named after the famous copper (cobre) mines in the area.
It houses the Virgen del Cobre,
a beautiful statue that was proclaimed to be the protectress of Cuba in 1916,
and was blessed by the Pope during his 1998 visit.
The Virgen is the subject of intense devotion by the Cuban people
– not only by Catholics, but also by followers of Santería
who associate her with the Afro-Cuban goddess Ochún,
goddess of rivers, gentleness, femininity and love.