Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral was founded in the 13th century and incorporates a number of architectural styles and artistic treasures - including the Holy Grail!
History
Valencia Cathedral was built between 1252 and 1482 on the site of an earlier mosque and perhaps a Roman temple of Diana. It was originally dedicated to the Holy Saviour; the Cid dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin; and King Jaime the Conqueror did likewise, leaving in the main chapel the image of the Blessed Virgin which he carried with him (now preserved in the sacristy).
In 1262, Bishop Andrés de Albalat laid the cornerstone of the Gothic building. It had three naves, which reach only to the choir of the present building. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the tower ("Miguelete") in 1418.
Also in the 15th century the dome was added and the naves extended back of the choir, uniting the building to the tower and forming a main entrance. Archbishop Luis Alfonso de los Cameros began the building of the main chapel in 1674, decorated with marbles and bronzes in the ornate style of the period.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the German Conrad Rudolphus built the opulent Baroque façade of the main entrance. A restoration in the same century rounded the pointed arches, covered the Gothic columns with Corinthian pillars, and redecorated the walls. In the war of 1808, a magnificent silver reredos was carried away and melted into coins to meet the expenses of the campaign.
What to See
The unique exterior of Valencia Cathedral is mostly Gothic. A portal on the north transept, Puerta de los Apóstoles, is richly decorated with sculpture and surmounted by a 14th century rose window. The main entrance is lavishly Baroque but leads to a mainly Gothic interior.
Inside the cathedral are numerous religious and artistic treasures. Among the notable sights are two Goya paintings in the San Francesco chapel, one of which depicts an exorcism, and the 14th-century lantern over the transept crossing. The soaring windows are glazed with thin sheets of alabaster to let in the light.
Probably the most celebrated treasure in Valencia Cathedral is a gold and agate chalice known as the Santo Caliz, said to be the Holy Grail itself. It is certainly an intriguing artifact — it's very old and was hidden in a monastery in northern Aragon throughout the Dark Ages, where it inspired many Grail legends. It has been enshrined in the cathedral since the 15th century, and can be seen in a dark, simple stone chapel in the corner.
The cathedral's museum contains many more paintings and a 2300-kg monstrance made of gold, silver and jewels donated by Valencians. It is carried through the streets on festival days.
The 207 steps (and 166 feet) of the octagonal tower, La Miguelete (or Micalet), can be climbed for spectacular views over the cathedral and the city. The bell tower is named for its consecration on St. Michael's Day in 1418.
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of Valencia Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Valencia Cathedral; Catedral; La Seo (the See); Iglesia Mayor, Basilica Metropolitana |
| Type of site: | Roman Catholic cathedral |
| Dates: | 1252-1482 |
| Location: | Plaza de la Reina, Valencia, Spain |
| Phone: | |
| Hours: | Cathedral: daily 7:30-1 & 4:30-8:30; tower: Mon-Sat 10-12:30, 4:30-7:30, Sun 10-1 & 5-7 |
| Cost: | Cathedral: free. Tower: €1.20. |
Sources
- The Rough Guide to Spain
- Valencia - Wikipedia (as of Oct 2006)
