Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken (Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados) is a Baroque Roman Catholic basilica in central Valencia, Spain, dedicated to the city’s patroness. It dates from the mid 17th century and was constructed to venerate the Virgen de los Desamparados.

The building occupies a compact footprint between Valencia Cathedral and the City Hall in the Plaza de la Virgen and contains a principal chapel that houses the venerated image of the Virgin. The interior is organized around a nave with side chapels and Baroque altarpieces used for regular worship and civic-religious ceremonies.

The basilica was raised as a focal point for devotion to the Virgen de los Desamparados and has remained closely tied to municipal and religious life in Valencia since its construction. Its location and devotional function make it a frequent stop for pilgrims and visitors to the historic centre.

Situated in Valencia’s old town, the basilica faces the Plaza de la Virgen and sits adjacent to the cathedral complex and other medieval and early-modern civic buildings.

• Patronage: Dedicated to the Virgen de los Desamparados, who is the patroness of the city of Valencia and the basilica was built to house her image.
• Central location: Located directly between Valencia Cathedral and the City Hall in the Plaza de la Virgen, making it a central point in the historic district.

What to See #

• Chapel of the Virgin: Main chapel containing the venerated image of the Virgen de los Desamparados, the focus of local devotion and processions.
• Nave and side chapels: Interior nave and side chapels featuring Baroque altarpieces and devotional paintings from the period of construction.