Valencia Cathedral

Valencia, Spain

Valencia Cathedral was consecrated in 1238 by Pere d'Albalat, Archbishop of Tarragona, and was dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I the Conqueror. It was built over the site of the former Visigothic cathedral, which under the Moors had been turned into a mosque.

Most of Valencia Cathedral was built between the 13th century and the 15th century, and this style was mainly Gothic. However, its construction went on for centuries. As a consequence there is a mixture of artistic styles, ranging from the early Romanesque, Valencian Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical.

The cathedral contains numerous 15th-century paintings, some by local artists (such as Jacomart), others by artists from Rome engaged by the Valencian Pope Alexander VI who, when still a cardinal, made the request to elevate the Valencian See to the rank of metropolitan see, a category granted by Pope Innocent VIII in 1492.

A purported Holy Chalice, believed by many to be the true Holy Grail, is revered in one of the cathedral's chapels. It has been the official chalice for many popes. This chalice with Arabic inscriptions dates from the 1st century, and was given to the cathedral by king Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436.

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Founded: 1238
Category: Religious sites in Spain

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Kevin M (5 months ago)
Very cool, very old cathedral built in the city center, that is said to hold the holy grail. There is very ornate stone work and artwork throughout, and it is very large. You can walk around the front area free of charge and see the holy grail. There are tours as well...did not try. Impressive for the age...a must see when visiting Valencia
Tom Courtney (6 months ago)
Lovely cathedral and the audio guide was really well done (included in the ticket price). I was sceptical about the museum but it turned out to be fascinating. They didn't hide the items from the reliquary, and the archaeological dig under the cathedral is really interesting. BUT the best part is the holy grail! It had an fascinating journey and ended up here. Definitely recommended to visit while you're in Valencia, and one of the only things open on a Monday (when almost all the other museums and historic attractions are closed).
Deborah Algosaibi (6 months ago)
Truly beautiful - the audio was very good and took about 1 hour. Everything has been beautifully preserved and displayed. A must to see in Valencia. We arrived before it opened and the queue was relatively short. When we came out it was much longer. I would recommend getting there early to avoid large crowds. It is open until quite late too and I was told the afternoon is a bit quieter. I visited in mid-May. The Tower has a lot of steps and is a separate entrance and cost.
Artur Stec (7 months ago)
Must see when in Valencia! Entry ticket was around €10, you’ll get the auto guide included ( selection of languages available). Beautiful building inside and out. A lot of Artwork inside which is worth seeing and listening to the history. Cathedral was build in XIII century, so there is plenty history there. You have an option to climb the tower of the cathedral on your way out for an additional €1.5 ( you’ll definitely get your steps in that day ).
Ilias Blioumis (8 months ago)
The Cathedral in Valencia is an awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece that captivates visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. From the moment you approach its magnificent facade, you're drawn into a world of centuries-old craftsmanship and intricate details. Stepping inside, the interior boasts breathtaking beauty, with ornate chapels, stunning stained glass windows, and the awe-inspiring Holy Chalice. The audio guide provides invaluable insights into the cathedral's rich history and cultural significance. While some areas may be crowded with tourists, the overall experience is well worth it. A must-visit landmark in Valencia for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture.
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