Fodor's Expert Review Catedral de Valencia

Valencia Fodor's Choice

Valencia's impressive 13th- to 15th-century cathedral is the heart of the old city. The building has three portals—Romanesque, Gothic, and rococo. Inside, Renaissance and baroque marble were removed to restore the original Gothic style, as is now the trend in Spanish churches. The Capilla del Santo Cáliz (Chapel of the Holy Chalice) displays a purple agate vessel purported to be the Holy Grail (Christ's cup at the Last Supper) and thought to have been brought to Spain in the 4th century. Behind the altar is the left arm of St. Vincent, martyred in Valencia in 304.

Stars of the cathedral museum are Goya's two famous paintings of St. Francis de Borja, Duke of Gandia. Left of the entrance is the octagonal tower El Miguelete, whose 207 steps you can climb (entry, €2): from the top, the roofs of the old town create a kaleidoscope of orange and brown terra-cotta, with the sea in the background.

Fodor's Choice Church

Quick Facts

Pl. de l'Almoina, s/n
Valencia, Valencia  46003, Spain

963-918127

www.catedraldevalencia.es

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: €9, includes audio guide, Closed Sun. in Dec.

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