Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Llosar

The Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Llosar is the most important religious site of Vilafranca (also known as Villafranca del Cid), a small town in the Els Ports district in the north of Castellón province, Spain. The complex sits roughly 2 km from the town center, along the road heading toward La Pobla d'en Bellestar and on to Iglesuela del Cid, just across the border in Aragón.

How did this sanctuary come to be?

Local tradition tells the story of a farmer ploughing his field with a pair of oxen. The animals suddenly stopped and knelt down, and the ploughshare struck something hard buried in the ground — a stone slab covering a carved image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. News of the discovery spread among the people of Vilafranca, and the image was soon proclaimed patroness of the town. A Gothic-style chapel was raised on the very spot where the figure had been found, so the community could shelter and venerate it.

What does the building look like today?

The current church stands on the foundations of an earlier Gothic structure, with documentary references going back to the 14th century. Construction of the present building was completed in 1683. Inside, three naves are covered by a barrel vault, while the baroque façade is topped by a small bell-gable pierced with three openings for bells. The sanctuary is more than just the chapel itself — the wider complex includes an adjoining inn, porticoes, former pilgrim lodgings, and outbuildings, a layout that reflects how significant a pilgrimage site this once was.

When is the best time to visit?

The single most important date is September 8, the feast day of the Mare de Déu del Llosar. On this day, residents of Vilafranca walk in procession from the parish church in town out to the sanctuary, where a solemn mass is celebrated. Afterwards, at the so-called Arcs del Pare Plàcid (Father Plàcid's arches), traditional pastries are handed out along with local cassalla liqueur and moscatel wine — a moment where religious devotion blends with community celebration.

What should you know before visiting?

The sanctuary sits within the typical mountain and forest scenery of Els Ports, a rugged inland district. Because of its position on the road linking Vilafranca to Aragón, the site has long doubled as a resting point for travelers, which explains the presence of the attached inn and farm buildings alongside the chapel itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the sanctuary located? About 2 km from the center of Vilafranca (Els Ports, Castellón province), on the road toward La Pobla d'en Bellestar and Iglesuela del Cid.

Why is the Mare de Déu del Llosar so important to locals? She is the patroness of Vilafranca. According to legend, her image was miraculously found by a farmer ploughing his field, and the discovery site later became the sanctuary.

When are the main celebrations held? The main feast day falls on September 8, marked by a procession from the town to the sanctuary and a solemn mass, followed by a traditional gathering with pastries at the Arcs del Pare Plàcid.

How old is the current building? The present church, built on the site of an earlier Gothic chapel documented as far back as the 14th century, was completed in 1683 and features a baroque façade.