Iglesia del Niño Jesús del Huerto

The parish church of El Palmar, built in 1769, marks the centre of this village of fishermen and rice farmers, born on an island within the Albufera lagoon. Wandering around it is a way to glimpse the seafaring soul of these waters, and entry to the church is free.

History and devotion

Raised in 1769, the church stands at the centre of the village and has been part of the life of a community bound to the water, the boat and rice farming for centuries. It guards the image of the Cristo de la Salud (Christ of Health), one of the most deeply rooted devotions of the Albufera, which leads a pilgrimage across the lagoon each August.

What to see

The interior is simple and intimate, as befits a village parish, and keeps the serene atmosphere typical of Valencian churches of the period. The real interest lies in the setting around it: the surrounding square, the low houses and the canals that thread through El Palmar.

Tips for your visit

• Combine your visit with a boat ride from the jetty.
• If you come in August, check the dates of the Cristo de la Salud pilgrimage.
• Take the chance to eat a proper paella in the village, the birthplace of the dish.