Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken
17th-century basilica built on the Roman forum, housing a 600-year-old image of the Virgin of the Forsaken.
- Opening hours
- Daily 10:00-14:00, 16:30-21:00
- Where
- Valencia
What you will see
The basilica was built between 1652 and 1667 according to a design by architect Diego Martínez Ponce de Urrana, with its foundations resting on the forum of Roman Valentia. The floor plan is oval and covered by a large dome; seven large porticos open around it and access is via four doors. The vault paintings are by Antonio Palomino. At the highest point of the temple is the Camarín de la Virgen (the Virgin's vestry). Since 1981 the building has been designated a National Historic and Artistic Monument.
The image of the Virgin of the Forsaken is over six hundred years old. In the early 15th century she was patron of the "Spital de Ignocens, folls e orats" and was sculpted as a reclining figure, intended to be placed on coffins. In 1493 Ferdinand the Catholic decreed that "e dels Desamparats" (and of the Forsaken) be added to her name. Note her attributes: the lily, the Christ Child with the cross, and the Holy Innocents at her feet.
On the second floor of the same building is the muMa, the Marian Museum, with over 400 square metres of exhibition space: paintings, metalwork, drawings, photographs, prints, mantles and the Virgin's furnishings, as well as the processional image known as the "Peregrina". Its entrance is at the back, on Plaza de la Almoina.
Cost
The basilica's official website does not publish any prices, either for the temple or for the muMa. If you plan to visit the museum, confirm opening hours and entrance fee at the basilica itself before you go.
Opening hours
The temple opens every day in two sessions: mornings until 14:00 and afternoons from 16:30 to 21:00. From September to June, Monday to Friday, there are masses from 08:30 to 20:30, so during your visit you are likely to encounter a service.
How to get there
The basilica is on Plaza de la Virgen, in the centre of Valencia. The muMa entrance is on Plaza de la Almoina.
Worth visiting if…
…you want to see up close a Marian image from the early 15th century and the architecture of a dome on an oval floor plan from the 17th century, built above the ancient Roman forum. If you are also interested in the Virgin's mantles and furnishings, add the muMa to your visit.
