🏺 A tour through its history

🔹 Roman Period (1st century BC) – Beneath the current square are the remains of the ancient Valentia Edetanorum, founded in 138 BC by the Romans. Remains of the Roman forum have been found, indicating that this site was already the center of the city at that time.

🔹 Renaissance and Baroque (16th-18th centuries) – Important buildings were erected, such as the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados, one of the most beloved temples of Valencians, and the central fountain, which represents the ancient irrigation system of the Turia River.

🔹 Middle Ages (8th-15th centuries) – With the arrival of the Muslims in the 8th century, Valencia was transformed, but after the Reconquista by James I in 1238, the square regained its Christian importance with the construction of Valencia Cathedral on the site of the former Great Mosque.

🔹 20th Century and Present Day – Plaza de la Virgen has become a key center for Valencian culture and tradition, hosting events such as the Flower Offering of the Fallas festival and the Water Tribunal, the oldest court of justice in Europe, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

🏛 What to see in the Plaza de la Virgen

✅ Valencia Cathedral and El Micalet – Built on the site of the ancient Roman forum and the Muslim mosque, it combines Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. Its tower, the Micalet, offers spectacular views of the city.

✅ Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken – The first Baroque church in Valencia and a sanctuary of the city’s patron saint, a place of great devotion.

✅ Turia Fountain – A monument symbolizing the ancient Valencian irrigation system, with a central statue representing the Turia River and eight female figures symbolizing the irrigation ditches.

✅ Palace of the Generalitat – The seat of the regional government, built in the 15th century with impressive Gothic-Renaissance architecture.

✅ Roman archaeological remains (below the plaza) – These can be visited at the Almoina Museum, a few meters away, where remains of the original Roman forum are preserved.

🎭 Events and Traditions

🎭 The Flower Offering (Fallas) – Every March, thousands of Falleros parade into the square to honor the Virgin of the Forsaken with a spectacular floral mantle.

🗣 Water Tribunal – Held every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Door of the Apostles) of the Cathedral. This tribunal, of medieval origin, resolves disputes over water without the need for written documents.

🎶 Concerts and Celebrations – Throughout the year, the square hosts live music, religious events, and traditional performances.

🔎 Why visit Plaza de la Virgen?

• It’s one of the most charming places in Valencia.
• Surrounded by historical and religious monuments.
• A center for traditional events and celebrations.
• An ideal place to relax, have a drink, or enjoy the Valencian atmosphere.

🕒 Hours: Open 24 hours.