Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados

In the heart of Ciutat Vella, beside the cathedral and facing the old town's most iconic square, this 17th-century Baroque basilica is home to the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Our Lady of the Forsaken), patron saint of Valencia and the spiritual heart of the city. Entry is free.

History

The basilica was built in the 17th century to house the image of the Virgin that Valencians have venerated for centuries. Its Baroque architecture, with a compact plan and an intimate interior, reflects the era's taste for ornament and for light drawn toward the altar, where the patron's image resides.

What to see

The first thing you notice is the great dome, decorated with frescoes attributed to Antonio Palomino, which fill the vault with colour and movement. What stays with you most, though, is the devout atmosphere before the Virgin, surrounded by flowers and candles.

• Pause beneath the dome to take in the painting.
• Watch the devotion of the faithful before the shrine.

Tips for visiting

• Pair it with the cathedral, just a few steps away.
• It is an active place of worship: keep quiet and respectful.
• It's one of our free things to do in Valencia.