The sanctuary was the site of a 237-day siege during the Spanish Civil War, known as the Siege of the Sanctuary of Santa María de la Cabeza.
The original image of the Virgin was carved from wood in the 13th century and is considered one of the earliest examples of Marian devotion in the region.
The sanctuary is located within a protected natural area that is home to one of the world's few remaining populations of the Iberian lynx.
The annual Romería, held on the last Sunday of April, involves hundreds of thousands of people ascending the mountain on foot, horseback, and in decorated carriages.
The site was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 2010.
The sanctuary's strategic location atop the Cabeza mountain provides panoramic views across the Sierra Morena and the Guadalquivir river valley.
The Basílica y Real Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza is a mountaintop sanctuary situated in the heart of the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park at an elevation of 700 meters. The current basilica is a reconstruction completed in the 20th century following the near-total destruction of the original 13th-century Gothic-Renaissance complex during the Spanish Civil War. It serves as the destination for the Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza, one of the oldest and largest pilgrimages in Spain, dating back to 1227. The site houses the Romanesque-style image of the Virgin of the Cabeza, the patron saint of Andújar. The architecture features a distinctive blend of historical revival styles, including a prominent central nave and a fortress-like exterior that reflects its isolated position. The complex includes a museum containing a collection of votive offerings, mantles, and historical artifacts related to the pilgrimage. The site is a registered 'Bien de Interés Cultural' under the category of Historical Site.
The main courtyard terrace offers the best vantage point looking out over the peaks of the Sierra Morena.
Bring binoculars as the surrounding Sierra de Andújar Natural Park is one of the best locations in Spain for birdwatching, particularly for the Spanish imperial eagle.
Check road conditions in advance, as the mountain access road can be narrow and steep with sharp turns.
Carry extra layers of clothing as temperatures at the 700-meter elevation are significantly cooler than in the valley below.
Avoid visiting on the final Sunday of April unless you are specifically participating in the Romería, as the site becomes extremely congested and road access is restricted.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone inside the basilica; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected.
