Minor Basilica of the Puríssima Xiqueta and Sant Pere Apóstol
The new church, built in a neo-gothic style from 1902 to 1929, is the symbol of Benissa par excellence
Works began on the construction of the new parish church of the Puríssima Xiqueta in 1902 and, thanks to contributions from all citizens of Benissa, the new church, which ended up replacing the old fortified church of Saint Peter the Apostle was inaugurated in 1929.
It is a neo-gothic building with three naves. The beauty of its central lantern tower – a skylight within the church, at the centre of the crossing – and its altar, with a reliquary featuring a painted image of the Puríssima Xiqueta, attributed to the school of the painter Juan de Juanes, are noteworthy for their beauty.
Every year, the festivities of the patron saint of Benissa are held in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta on the fourth Sunday of April. One of the most celebrated events is the procession carried out with the aforementioned painting of the virgin. For this purpose, a spectacular hydraulic system has been designed to easily lower the reliquary down to the altar, from whence it is placed atop the processional float. This event is known as the “Lowering of the Puríssima”.
Address:
C/ Fray Humilde Soria, 3