Basilica of Our Lady of El Valle

The Basilica of Our Lady of El Valle (Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de El Valle) It is a Gothic Revival basilica located in El Valle del Espíritu Santo a town on the island of Margarita, of Nueva Esparta state, in northwestern Venezuela.

Its name is in honor of the patron saint of the town and the Venezuelan Navy: the Virgen del Valle. After being founded the church San Nicolás de Bari, it was declared Basilica of Nueva Esparta state on September 8, 1955, so that from that date its festivities are held, beginning with the descent of the Virgin on 8 September each year, is placed where the public can see it up close. On 8 December is the rise of the Virgin, which is placed on an altar located at the top where the priest officiates masses.

Initially, it was a small church, but the building has been modified several times. One of the modifications was coordinated by Father Philip Martinez in 1733. It was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1995.