Holy Mary of Kings (Virgin of Kings)

Marian devotion of Seville (Andalusia)

La tradición sevillana presenta a la Virgen de los Reyes como una imagación donada por San Fernando, que la habría tenido en su oratorio y la habría llevado con durante la conquesta de Sevilla. The historical criticism, however, nuances this story: the current size is a Gothic sculpture of the 13th century, of French style, and there is no coetane documentation to prove the direct donation by Fernando III, although it is well attested to its ancient veneration and its close relationship with the Spanish monarchy. It is therefore appropriate to distinguish the devotional tradition - the gift by the holy king - from the documented, which places the image in the 13th century and firmly rooted in real devotion since ancient times.

Main data

Origin and history

La tradición sevillana presenta a la Virgen de los Reyes como una imagación donada por San Fernando, que la habría tenido en su oratorio y la habría llevado con durante la conquesta de Sevilla. The historical criticism, however, nuances this story: the current size is a Gothic sculpture of the 13th century, of French style, and there is no coetane documentation to prove the direct donation by Fernando III, although it is well attested to its ancient veneration and its close relationship with the Spanish monarchy. It is therefore appropriate to distinguish the devotional tradition - the gift by the holy king - from the documented, which places the image in the 13th century and firmly rooted in real devotion since ancient times.

The image and the sanctuary

The image is venerated in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral of Seville, a space that links it from its origin to the memory of the Spanish kings. The size is a 13th century Gothic sculpture, of French bill, preserved as one of the great devotional and artistic jewels of the city. The tradition refers that King Fernando III ordered the image to be placed in the Royal Chapel and that he died before it in 1252, an episode that has strengthened over the centuries the link between the advocation and the holiness of the monarch.

Sponsorship and coronation

He is the main patron of the Archdiocese of Seville and of the city of Seville. His canonical coronation took place on December 4, 1904, being one of the first Marian coronations held in Spain.

Party and devotion

Its main feast is on August 15, solemnity of the Asunción, with the famous early-morning processional exit on the streets of Seville. August 15 is also a local party in the city as the day of its patron. Since the 17th century, numerous exvotes and thanks attributed to their intercession, in a unique way in epidemics and calamities, have been documented with thanksgiving of the city itself.

Link to the Rosary

There is no Rosary fellowship of the Virgin of Kings, nor a specific and documented historical link with the Rosary's prayer beyond general Marian devotion. In the 20th and 21st century, public rosaries have been organized in the face of the image, but as an expression of common piety and not as a unique feature of the advocation.