Plaza de La Virgen Basilica de Virgen de Los Desamparados. Plaza de La Virgen. Valencia City Spain.

Description:

In the City of Contrasts, Plaza de la Virgin dominates one end of the spectrum as the counterweight to the City of Arts and Sciences. It is seen by many as the ultimate impression of the traditional Valencia of the past centuries.

No wonder that the Plaza de la Virgin used to be the main square of Valencia, right from the Roman origins to the day when Plaza de Ayuntamento came into full swing at the turn of the 20th century. It is still a very active place, with most of the city's traditional events passing through here. The irresistible charm of the Plaza is figured on many postcards and all the tourists agree that it is simply the best place for having a coffee on one of the summer terraces.

The Plaza breathes with history, hosting three buildings of huge, historical importance to Valencian people.

Basilica de la Virgen de Los Desamparados is the second most important religious structure after the Cathedral.  It was one of the first Baroque buildings in Spain and was generally constructed in a very traditional Spanish style, is an oval shape in plan and is crowned by a large dome covered with blue, glazed ceramic tiles. The richly decorated interior is even more worth a look.  The beautiful, frescoed ceiling inside the dome has recently been restored and the rest is a typical baroque riot of classical columns and pilasters, marble, gilt metal, stucco and glass.  The basilica is home to the hugely revered statue of the Virgen of the Forsaken - the patron saint of Valencia. There are various supernatural myths about this statue.

Palau de Generalitat is the seat of the Valencian Autonomous Region government, an imposing castle-like structure blending the late Gothic and Renaissance architecture with Moorish themes.

The rear of the Cathedral also forms part of the square. The rear turret, the Gothic portal of the Apostles (where the Water Court meets every Thursday) and the curious colloseum-style colonnade harmonically blend with the Basilica and leave the tourists entranced.

History

This place has been here always, since the Roman times.

The current look began forming in 13th century with the construction of the Cathedral, the portal of the Apostles finished in the frst third of 14th century. In the 15th century the Palau de Generalitat was built (then a tax office for the Crown) and, finally, in 17th century - the Basilica.

In the beginning of the 20th century the old City Hall in front of the Palau was taken down and a garden built in its place.

Services

There are usually religeous services held at all times, so visitors going in as toursits need to respect this and be very quiet whilst taking in the incredible interior.

Religious service in the basilica: 8.30, 9.30, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 17.30, 18.30, 19.30, 20.30 every day.