Valencia Cathedral

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Valencia Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Valencia, Spain. This beautiful Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Valencia is considered to be one of the city’s most famous architectural and religious landmarks, and is well worth a visit while you’re in Valencia.

History

As is true of many Spanish cathedrals, Valencia Cathedral was built on the former site of a Visigothic cathedral which had later been converted into a mosque. It was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries in the Gothic architectural style, though it also features elements of Renaissance, Romanesque, Baroque, and Neo-Classical architecture. Today, it remains one of the city’s most important structures, and is often a key location used in local religious celebrations.

Valência - Valencia
Cathedral — Valência - Valencia Cathedral. Photo by Henrique Ferreira

Highlights

Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or religious artifacts, there’s plenty to see in this striking cathedral.

Holy Chalice Chapel

One of the most popular attractions in the cathedral is the Holy Chalice Chapel which contains the Holy Chalice of Valencia, a truly fascinating artifact which is considered by many to be the Holy Grail that was used by Jesus at the Last Supper.

El Miguelete

El Miguelete is the name of the cathedral’s impressive bell tower, which can be seen throughout the city. If you have time to spare, you should definitely climb its many steps in order to enjoy the breathtaking views it provides of the city of Valencia.

Art

The cathedral contains a wide selection of impressive religious paintings that date back to the 15th century, though its most spectacular works of art may in fact be the magnificent frescoes that line its ceilings.

Reliquary Chapel

If you’re interested in religious relics, you can find relics related to various saints in the chapel, including St. John of Ribera, St. Louis Bertrand (Wikipedia Article)

, and Pope Callixtus III, who was born in Valencia.

Practical Information

It’s quite easy to reach Valencia Cathedral on foot or by bike since much of the city is pedestrianized. The city also has numerous public transportation offerings that you can use to reach the cathedral, including buses and a metro system.

Address

Plaça de l'Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Opening Hours

The cathedral is always open for those wishing to pray, while cultural visits are limited to 10:00 until 17:30 from Monday through Saturday and 14:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and holidays, with extended hours until 18:30 between March 20th and October 31st.

Similar Landmarks

Spain is known throughout the world for its numerous Gothic cathedrals, including Seville Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral in the world, as well as Toledo Cathedral, Ávila Cathedral, Burgos Cathedral, and León Cathedral.

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Author: ehuttner. Last updated: Jul 01, 2015