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

One of Valencia鈥檚 most cherished religious icons is the statue of the Virgin of the Forsaken, known as the 鈥淟ittle Hunchback.鈥� The nickname comes from the slight curve in her back, a detail steeped in legend. According to tradition, the figure was used during funeral rites for society鈥檚 outcasts, including executed criminals. The statue would be placed atop the bodies, her head resting gently on a cushion, and over time, this repeated posture gave her the appearance of a hunched back. Today, that curvature is mostly hidden beneath rich garments and jewels that speak more of reverence than sorrow.

You can see her elevated above the altar in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, a church built in the 17th century and dedicated entirely to her. It was the first building in Valencia designed entirely in the Baroque style, and it still radiates theatrical elegance. A covered Renaissance-style walkway connects the basilica directly to the Cathedral鈥檚 high altar, a passage reserved exclusively for clergy.

The statue itself is mounted on a swivel, allowing her to turn and face either the main nave or a smaller side chapel鈥攄epending on the occasion and the intimacy of the moment. This design lets the faithful encounter her gaze whether attending a large service or seeking a quiet moment of devotion.

Just behind the basilica lies a peaceful square that sits atop what was once the heart of Roman Valentia. Through the stone arch formed by the bridge to the Cathedral, you鈥檒l find a couple of lesser-known sites: the City Museum, an art and history gallery housed in a former palace, and El Almud铆n, a medieval granary from the 13th century that once stored the city鈥檚 wheat supply, now used to house exhibitions.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Valencia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados (Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken)
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Valencia Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Valencia, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Valencia

Creating your own self-guided walk in Valencia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles

Valencia Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Valencia's Classical Architecture Tour

In Valencia, the architecture tells you right away鈥攖his city has layers. It's not just a coastal getaway with sunshine and beaches. Beneath the bright skies, 鈥淪pain鈥檚 Third Capital鈥� reveals a blend of styles both rich and unexpected鈥攁t once bold in contrast and delicate in detail. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Old Town, where nearly every corner seems to offer a visual... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Where To Stay in Valencia, Spain - Guide of Best Areas and Hotels

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