Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, Minor basilica in Ciutat Vella, Spain.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken is a religious building with an oval floor plan that blends Renaissance and Baroque details, topped by a large dome decorated with painted frescoes. The interior feels open and spacious, with curved walls and columns that follow the oval shape throughout.
Construction started in 1652 and finished in 1667, making it the most important church built in Valencia during the 1600s. Its creation followed the Baroque architectural trends of that era and shaped the city's religious landscape for centuries to come.
This basilica serves as the spiritual home of Valencia's patron saint, and you can sense the devotion through the candles and prayers left by visitors in front of her chapel. The space draws people seeking blessing and comfort, making it a place where personal faith is actively practiced today.
The building sits on Plaza de la Virgen next to Valencia Cathedral and is easy to find while wandering through the old city. It opens during the day for visitors and remains accessible during services, so plan around times when prayers are happening.
The dome does not sit centered above the building but tilts toward the neighboring cathedral, an unusual choice for religious structures of that time. This off-center placement created a subtle architectural connection between the two major religious sites of the city.
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