Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados (Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken), Valencia

Next to the Cathedral, the Basilica is the most popular religious site in Valencia. Thousands visit its halls every year. It was built in 1652 and dedicated to the Mother of Jesus. It is located in the Virgin Square.

The building is a Baroque architecture, as one might note from the side chapel attached to the main complex. In fact, this is one of the first examples of such architecture in Spain. It can be accessed from a staircase located on the side of the main building.

The Basilica was built on the same site where various other churches, mosques and chapels once stood. The floors have an elliptical shape, which also makes for a quite beautiful building. If you look closely, you will also notice the dome is not centered. It is slightly forward of center, towards the Cathedral.

There are many beautiful pieces of artwork as well as sculptures here. The frescoes are among the best in Spain. One statue of note is the statue of the little Hunchback. Designed in Gothic styling, it depicts a local virgin who was known for her work with the poor and destitute. The face of the statue is Byzantine and is adorned beautifully with jewelry from the faithful.