Our Lady of Valdejimena

Shrine of the Land of Alba (Horcajo Medianero, Salamanca)

In a depopulated part of the Earth of Alba, the Baroque sanctuary of Valdejimena brings together in the Romeria of Pentecost the faithful of Salamanca and Avila; a Virgin very linked to the shepherds and to protection against anger.

Origin and history

The sanctuary is raised in the old depopulated Valdejimena, in a dehesa of the Earth of Alba, and is the largest center of Marian spirituality in the region. The current factory comes from a profound renovation between 1683 and 1698, promoted by Bishop Fray Peter of Salazar; it would be the third sanctuary erected in the place.

Devotion has strong pastoral and transhumanous roots: the Virgin of Valdejimena is invoked as a protector of the cattle and people against rabies, and her Pentecost rostery brings together the faithful of broad areas of Salamanca and Avila. Tradition links it to an oak with a santa.

Formal patronage and canonical coronation: not found in the sources.