The Basilica of Valencia is a temple dedicated to the patron saint of the city, the Virgen de los Desamparados, and constitutes the main religious building built in València during the 17th century. At the same time, it is the first newly-built Baroque work.
Built between 1652 and 1667 by Diego Martínez Ponce de Urrana, it has three peculiarities. It is the only church in the old town that does not rise over old parishes or convents, it was a new work.
The second is that the dome is not located in the center, but is displaced. In this way it approaches the Cathedral, contiguous. Finally, the presence of the dressing room, a highly significant element of the Baroque and one of the first known in Spain, should be highlighted. It is accessed by a staircase, dedicating its space to the adoration of the image of the Virgin.
The Basilica of Valencia houses in its own building the museum dedicated to the Patroness of Valencia (Mariano Museum). The exhibition has a varied selection of works by great masters and objects that cover different disciplines: painting, sculpture, engraving, ceramics, textiles, enamel, goldsmithing, drawing, furniture, devotional offerings, foundational and commemorative documents. Its official name is Royal Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados.
