{"id":9673,"date":"2022-02-02T09:19:48","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T09:19:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/valencia-cathedral\/"},"modified":"2024-01-18T14:38:17","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:38:17","slug":"valencia-cathedral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/valencia-cathedral\/","title":{"rendered":"Valencia Cathedral"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Neslted on Plaza de la Reina, Valencia Cathedral (the Metropolitan Cathedral\u2013Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia \/ Esgl\u00e9sia Catedral-Bas\u00edlica Metropolitana de l’Assumpci\u00f3 de la Mare de D\u00e9u de Val\u00e8ncia<\/em>) is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city! In addition to its rich architecture, the cathedral is also famous for housing the Holy Chalice, recognized by the Vatican as\u2026 the one and only Holy Grail!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the guide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udc4d The Captain’s tip \ud83d\udc4d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to learn more about Valencia’s history?<\/strong> To discover the city with a passionate tour guide, Captain Ulysses warmly recommends going on this free tour<\/a><\/mark>. You\u2019re free to choose how much you wish to tip the tour guide at the end of the tour!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want more info about Valencia\u2019s top landmarks, activities & museums? <\/strong>Why don\u2019t you check out the Captain\u2019s detailed article on the best things to do in the city: Guide to Valencia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Valencia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brief history of Valencia Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Built in the 13th<\/sup> century, following the Reconquista<\/em> \u2013 the Christian reconquest \u2013 of Valencia, Valencia Cathedral stands on the exact site of an old mosque (which was itself built on the site of an old Visigothic cathedral).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simplicity of the original building, Romanesque in style, testifies to the urgency with which the cathedral was built. The Church wanted to destroy the mosque, which represented Muslim domination in Valencia, to build in its stead a cathedral which would symbolize the return of Valencia into Christian hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the following centuries, Valencia Cathedral was transformed and enlarged countless times. This explains why the cathedral’s architectural style incorporates eclectic elements, ranging from Valencian Gothic to neo-classicism, Baroque or even the Renaissance style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Valencia<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Visiting Valencia Cathedral<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its rich architecture and its long history, Valencia Cathedral will no doubt delight visitors exploring the city. Among the cathedral’s treasures, be sure to have a look at the Apostles’ Gate, the Palau Gate, the Holy Chalice, the frescoes by Paolo da San Leocadio and Francesco Pagano, as well as the Miguelete Tower and the Sacred Art Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 The Apostles’ Gate:<\/strong> built in the 14th<\/sup> century, the Apostles’ Gate, baroque in style, is undoubtedly one of the cathedral’s highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 the Palau Gate:<\/strong> Romanesque in style, the Palau Gate is the oldest gate in Valencia’s Cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 The Holy Chalice:<\/strong> housed in a chapel of the cathedral, this agate chalice decorated with Arabic inscriptions is said to be the one and only Holy Grail, from which Jesus and his twelve disciples drank during the Last Supper. According to legend, the chalice was hidden in a safe place by Saint Lawrence to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Roman Emperor Valerian, who was then persecuting Christians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 The frescoes by Paolo da San Leocadio and Francesco Pagano:<\/strong> above the high altar, don’t miss the Renaissance frescoes attributed to the artists Paolo da San Leocadio and Francesco Pagano. These famous 15th<\/sup> century artworks represent twelve angels playing music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 The Miguelete Tower<\/em> (or Micalet<\/em> ), the bell tower of the cathedral:<\/strong> built between the 14th<\/sup> and 15th<\/sup> centuries, the Miguelete<\/em> Tower is a 50-meter high tower dominating the surroundings of the cathedral and offering a breathtaking view of Valencia. But be prepared: you’ll have to climb the 207 (steep) steps to reach the top of the tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 The Sacred Art Museum of Valencia Cathedral:<\/strong> the cathedral comprises a small museum exhibiting religious artworks including paintings by the famous Spanish artists Maella and Goya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Micalet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Valencia<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Valencia Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To get to Valencia Cathedral, head for the famous Plaza de la Reina<\/em>, a 5-minute walk from the Lonja de la Seda<\/a> and the Mercado Central<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nearest public transports are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n