Attraction
City of Arts and Sciences
Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela's futuristic complex at the eastern end of the Turia riverbed, with a science museum, IMAX cinema, aquarium and opera house.
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia's Gothic cathedral, begun in 1262 on the site of a former mosque, home to a chalice venerated as the Holy Grail and the Micalet bell tower.
At a glance
- Type
- Gothic cathedral
- Area
- Ciutat Vella (La Seu), Valencia, Spain
- Official site
- catedraldevalencia.es
Good to know
- Audio guide
- Holy Chalice chapel
- Bell tower climb
- Museum
Why we recommend it
Valencia Cathedral, formally the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, stands at the heart of the old town between the Plaza de la Reina and the Plaza de la Virgen. After the Christian conquest of the city it was consecrated in 1238 in the former mosque, and in 1262 Bishop Andreu d'Albalat ordered a new building. Work began around 1270, and the result is mainly Valencian Gothic, with Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical additions layered on over the centuries.
The mix of styles is clearest from outside. The Romanesque Palau door, the Gothic Apostles' door facing the Plaza de la Virgen and the Baroque Iron Gate on the Plaza de la Reina, designed by Konrad Rudolf in 1703, each belong to a different era. Inside, an octagonal lantern tower over the crossing lets in soft light, and the chapels hold 15th-century paintings by artists including Jacomart and Paolo da San Leocadio.
The main draw for many visitors is the Holy Grail Chapel, the former chapter house built in the 14th century. It holds an agate cup that many believe is the chalice used at the Last Supper. King Alfonso V of Aragon gave it to the cathedral in 1436, and Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass with it in Valencia in 2006. Whatever your view of the tradition, the chapel itself, with its star vault, is one of the finest Gothic spaces in the city.
The bell tower, known as the Micalet (Miguelete in Spanish), was built as a separate structure and only joined to the cathedral in 1459. Climbing its narrow spiral staircase is hard work but rewards you with a view over the domes and rooftops of the old town towards the sea. It is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility or a fear of tight spaces.
Visits for tourists run outside service times with an audio guide included in the ticket; the tower has a separate ticket. Allow about an hour for the cathedral and another 30 to 45 minutes for the tower. Dress respectfully, with shoulders covered. On Thursdays at noon the Water Tribunal, an ancient court that settles irrigation disputes among farmers of the surrounding huerta, meets outside the Apostles' door. The Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken, La Lonja and the Central Market are all within a few minutes' walk.
Valencia Cathedral FAQs
When was Valencia Cathedral built?
Construction began around 1270, after Bishop Andreu d'Albalat ordered a new cathedral in 1262; work continued for centuries.
Is the Holy Grail really there?
The cathedral keeps an agate chalice venerated as the Holy Grail in its Holy Grail Chapel; it was given by Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436.
Can you climb the bell tower?
Yes, the Micalet tower can be climbed by a narrow spiral staircase with a separate ticket.
How long does a visit take?
About an hour for the cathedral, plus 30 to 45 minutes if you climb the Micalet.
Is there a dress code?
It is a working church, so dress respectfully and cover your shoulders.
What is the Water Tribunal?
An ancient court that settles irrigation disputes; it meets on Thursdays at noon outside the cathedral's Apostles' door.
Is the cathedral accessible?
The main cathedral floor is largely accessible, but the Micalet tower is reached only by stairs.
What is nearby?
The Plaza de la Virgen, the Basilica of the Virgin of the Forsaken, La Lonja and the Central Market are all a short walk away.