Plaza de la Virgen & Basilica of the Virgin
Plaça de la Mare de Déu
The most beautiful square in the old town, enclosed by the cathedral's Apostles' Gate, the Baroque Basilica of the Virgin and the Turia River fountain. It is the spiritual heart of the city.
Plaza de la Virgen stands on the site of the Roman forum. It is bordered on three sides by the Gothic Apostles' Gate of the cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken, Valencia's patron saint, and the Palace of the Generalitat. The basilica was built in the 17th century, and its oval dome holds fine murals. Entry is free. The fountain in the center depicts the Turia River as a reclining old man, and the eight young women around it represent the eight canals that irrigate the river's farmland. Every Thursday at noon, the Water Tribunal, which has met for a thousand years, convenes in front of the Apostles' Gate. In March, during the Fallas festival, hundreds of thousands of people offer flowers, which are assembled into a giant flower-robed statue of the Virgin.
Opening hours
Square open all day; main hall about 07:00–14:00 and 16:30–21:00
Nearby sights
- Valencia Cathedral & Micalet
- L'Almoina Archaeological Centre
- Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas (National Ceramics Museum)
- Barrio del Carmen & Torres de Serranos
- Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir
- La Lonja de la Seda
- Museu de Belles Arts de València
- Church of the Santos Juanes