Neoclassical basilica
Patroness of Castellón proclaimed by Pius XI in 1922
The Basilica of Our Lady of Lledó is a neoclassical Christian temple located in the heart of the Plana region, approximately one kilometre from the centre of Castellón de la Plana, on the well-known Camí del Lledó. Its history is linked to a Marian apparition: according to tradition, in 1366 a farmer named Perot de Granyana found an image of the Virgin beneath a lentisk tree (lledoner, in Valencian), an event that gave rise to its veneration and the subsequent construction of the sanctuary.
The temple stands out for its immaculate white exterior appearance, topped by a characteristic blue ceramic dome typical of the Valencian Levant. The architectural ensemble is integrated into the landscape of orange groves in the Castellón region, forming a recognisable vista in the comarca of Plana Alta.
The Virgin of Lledó was proclaimed patroness of Castellón de la Plana by Pope Pius XI on 8 November 1922. On the occasion of this proclamation, the original image was placed on the chest of a larger sculpture for the coronation ceremony. In 1993 the sanctuary received the distinction of basilica, elevating its rank within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
The temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites and places of popular devotion in the province of Castellón. Each year processions and liturgical celebrations are held in honour of the patroness, particularly in spring, bringing together thousands of the faithful from throughout the region.
The site is located close to the urban nucleus, accessible from Castellón via Camí del Lledó, surrounded by agricultural fields that preserve the rural character of the surroundings. The basilica is one of the most deeply rooted identity landmarks of the city of Castellón.