Salvaleón de Higüey is the eighth largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is located inland on the country’s east side. The name Higüey stems from the tribe of Taíno people who lived here before the Spanish brutally conquered them at the start of the 16th century. Today, most of the residents are employed in agriculture or tourism. Since 1970, the city’s architectural highlight is the Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of Altagracia. The Catholic church enshrines an image considered to be a Marian invocation. The Virgin of Altagracia painting shows the crowned Mary praying over her newborn. After the religious art arrived from Spain in 1502 and was gifted to a young girl, it became associated with several miracles. Since then, Our Lady of Altagracia has been revered as the spiritual protector of the Dominican Republic.
