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Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken

The basilica presides over Plaza de la Virgen, next to the Cathedral, and houses the image of the city's patron saint. It was built between 1652 and 1666 to plans by Juan Gómez de Mora, with Diego Martínez Ponce de Urrana as builder, and was the first church in Valencia with an oval plan. Above that space rises a dome that the Córdoba-born painter Antonio Palomino decorated in fresco in 1701 with painted architecture and medallions. Between 1683 and 1694 the camarín was added, the chapel where the Virgin is venerated, connected to the central nave. The image, popularly known as the Geperudeta, dates from the early 15th century. An arched passageway links the church with the Cathedral. It was a royal chapel and received the title of basilica by a brief of Pius XII on 21 April 1948. Inside you will also find the Museo Mariano (MUMA).

Things to do at Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken: 4 missions

• Go to the image of the GeperudetaApproach the Virgen de los Desamparados, the 15th-century image venerated as Valencia's patron saint, respecting any worship in progress.
• Look at the dome painted by PalominoStand beneath the centre of the oval nave and look up at the dome, decorated in fresco by Antonio Palomino in 1701.
• Check the oval planWalk around the interior and check that the nave is not circular but oval, the first of its kind built in Valencia for a church.
• Find the arch linking the basilica to the CathedralFrom Plaza de la Virgen, look for the arched passageway that connects the basilica with the Cathedral.

Near Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken

Source: Visit Valencia - Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados