The Port Church in Javea

The Church of the Virgin Santa de Loreto

The church is a highly unusual and delightful architectual design. Inside the ceiling is in the shape of the underside of a boat. This is because the church is dedicated to the patron saint of Javea fishermen, La Virgen de Sta. Loreto. A large number of Javea fishermen were caught up in a dreadful storm of unusual intensity whilst away fishing and they were in such great fear for their lives that they prayed to the saint to protect them. They promised that if they all got safely home they would build her a special church in the shape of a boat as a thank you for saving their lives.

The outside represents sails and rigging, whilst inside, the highly unusual underside of a boat towers above the congregation.

Worth a Visit

You may find larger and more impressive chrches on your travel within Spain, but the church represents the hearts and prayers of so many in Javea. The church is located just behind the port. From the main promenade you can cross the road to the small array of shops behind the Miramar hotel and then across the pedestrian crossings up to a small pedestrian area behind the first line of shops. About forty metres up the hill the church can be found to the left.


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2005 2006 2007

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