El LLedo

It is found in the end of a pretty walk. Currently, it is in the category of Basilica and it houses the image of the patroness of the city, the Mare de Déu del Lledó (Mother of God of Lidón), which is a reproduction of the image of a virgin that, according to legend, a farm labourer saw while he was tilling a field. Works of gold, sculptures, embroidery and paintings are also exhibited inside.

In 1730, the current neoclassical temple was inaugurated. On March 18, it was granted the honour of minor Basilica.

The image of the Virgin is only 6 centimetres long and they believe it has existed for millenniums. Its origin could be a pagan, but later the Christian faith turned it into a devout image of the Virgin Mary. At first, it was placed in a monstrance and later, inside the belly of another larger image of the Virgin Mary.

During the religious persecution of 1936, the tiny image was miraculously saved, however the reliquary was destroyed. After the end of the war, another reliquary similar to the previous one was built and the tiny image was placed inside and is where it is currently worshipped. On November 8, 1922, Pope Pious XI declared the Virgin of Lidón PATRONESS of Castellón. On May 4, 1924, the image was canonically crowned... Other Popes -John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II- also granted special blessings.

The Basilica is attended to by a Prior and there is a rich popular and liturgical worship. The beauty of its location and the sanctuary’s easy access make many locals attend each day to venerate to the Mare de Déu de LLEDO.