Santuario de la Victoria (Sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Victoria), Malaga

This Shrine of Santa Maria de la Victoria is one of the principal churches in Malaga. Saint Mary of Victory is the patron saint of the diocese and the city. In 2007, it was made a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.

In 1487, when King Ferdinand II, the King of Aragon laid siege to conquer the city of Malaga, he camped at the location where the church now stands. After the conquest of the city, the King ordered that a church dedicated to Santa Maria de la Victoria be built at the site. At first, it was a convent and chapel established by the Order of Minims. Another church was built in the 16th century. The structure proved inadequate and the present building was constructed between 1693 and 1700. The church was dedicated in 1700.

The Santuario de la Victoria has one of the first dressing room towers or Camarin Torres in Spain. Other features include a magnificent Retablo and a chapel with a small statue of the Virgin and Child made in the 15th century called Santa Maria de la Victoria, given to King Ferdinand by the King of Germany. The crypt contains the tombs of the Counts of Buenavista. It is decorated with white plaster skeletons representing death. The church has an overcoat for the virgin with many jewels attached donated by Anita Delgado, a flamenco dancer from Malaga who became the Maharani of the former Indian State of Kapurthala.

Why You Should Visit:
The basilica itself is lovely, but its real treasures are the Crypt and the fantastically ornate Heavenly Tower.
You may have seen many churches in many countries over the years, but these two features are certainly worth looking at.

Tip:
You have to go round to the garden to get the Crypt tour, which is a must do, as there is no cost except for a minimum 2 euro donation if you wish.
You can only see the whole of the Tower on this tour. Fragments can be seen from inside the basilica itself, but to see the entire Tower, just do the Crypt tour.