Basílica of San Ildefonso

The first evidence that exists of the original structure and seed of Basílica Menor de la Sacra Iglesia Parroquial de San Ildefonso dates back to 1248, when it was created as a chapel for serving the Cathedral. Two centuries later, in 1430, it became the scene of a famous miraculous event: the descent of the Virgin Mary to the city of Jaén. After this event, the building became a shrine dedicated to the Virgin of the Chapel and homage was paid to the image of her found inside it. In the sixteenth century, the Virgin of the Chapel was named patron saint of Jaén.

The church comprises three doorways: the oldest, in Gothic style, is at the back of the church. The side doorway, in Renaissance style, has a relief of San Idelfonso receiving the mass vestments from Mary. The last to be built was the main doorway, in Neoclassical style, which is crowned by an image of the Saint who the building is named after. The remains of the famous architect and stonemason, Andrés de Vandelvira, are buried here.

References:

• andalucia.com

Address

Plaza San Ildefonso s/n, Jaén, Spain

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in Spain