Valencia cathedral’s chapel holy chalice. © Wikicommons

Discover the historic city centre and its rich artistic heritage. You can visit the genuine Holy Grail at Valencia Cathedral; the Silk Exchange, a jewel of Gothic civil architecture; the Central Market, one of the largest and finest purveyors of fresh produce in Europe; the spectacular frescoes at the Church of San Nicolás; and many other breathtaking sites.

The Holy Chalice of Valencia, housed in the Valencia Cathedral, is revered by many as the true Holy Grail. This ancient relic is believed to be the cup used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The chalice itself is made of dark agate stone and dates back to between the 4th century BCE and the 1st century CE, fitting the time period of Jesus. Its base and handles, however, are later medieval additions crafted from gold and adorned with precious stones.

According to tradition, Saint Peter brought the chalice to Rome, and it eventually came into the possession of Saint Lawrence, a Spanish-born deacon. During the 3rd century persecution of Christians, Saint Lawrence is said to have sent the chalice to his parents in Huesca, Spain, for safekeeping. The chalice was hidden in various locations over the centuries to protect it from invaders and religious conflicts.

In the 15th century, it was finally brought to the Valencia Cathedral, where it has remained ever since. The Holy Chalice is displayed in a special chapel within the cathedral, attracting numerous pilgrims and visitors each year. Its religious significance is profound, and it has been used by popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, in significant religious ceremonies.

Scientific examinations have supported the antiquity of the chalice, particularly the agate cup, while acknowledging the later addition of the gold base. This combination of ancient and medieval craftsmanship makes the chalice a fascinating artifact for both historians and believers. The Holy Chalice plays a central role in various religious celebrations, especially during Holy Week and on the feast day of Saint Lawrence.

The story of the chalice intertwines faith, legend, and historical intrigue, making it a symbol of enduring spiritual significance. Pilgrims visit the Valencia Cathedral not only to see the chalice but also to connect with a tangible piece of Christian history. The Holy Chalice of Valencia continues to inspire devotion and curiosity, standing as a testament to the rich religious heritage of Spain.

Its presence in the cathedral enhances Valencia’s status as a city of historical and spiritual importance. Whether viewed as the true Holy Grail or a revered symbol of faith, the Holy Chalice remains a focal point for worship and contemplation. It exemplifies the enduring power of religious artifacts to captivate and inspire across the centuries

The cathedral was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia after the Reconquista, Pere d’Albalat, Archbishop of Tarragona, and was dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I the Conqueror. It was built over the site of the former Visigothic cathedral, which under the Moors had been turned into a mosque. Valencian Gothic is the predominant architectural style of the cathedral, although it also contains Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements.

The Valencia Cathedral contains numerous 15th-century paintings, some by local artists (such as Jacomart), others by artists from Rome engaged by the Valencian Pope Alexander VI who, when still a cardinal, made the request to elevate the Valencian See to the rank of metropolitan see, a category granted by Pope Innocent VIII in 1492.

The Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir in the heart of Valencia’s historic centre is a true artistic treasure with a lot of history. It was originally an early Christian temple that was transformed into a mosque in the 8th century, only to become a Christian church again after the conquest by Jaume I.

The real surprise of the Parish Church of San Nicolás de Bari, located in one of the most beautiful streets of the old quarter of Valencia, calle Cavallers, is that after a complete restoration of international technical relevance, some incredible frescoes of incredible value and beauty have recovered their spectacular nature.

Its mixture of Gothic and Baroque will surprise you, as well as the fantastic paintings, referencing the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter in its vault. It is also a church much loved by devotees, who come every Monday on a ritual “stroll” from different villages.

| The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

The second largest art gallery in Spain, with works from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including rooms dedicated to the magnificent oeuvre of the famous Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla, as well as a room dedicated to Francisco de Goya.

The Gothic art rooms are very impressive, and the rooms of the painters and sculptors Pinazo and Benlliure are very representative of the Valencian school.

Furthermore the museum excels in its collection of Renaissance paintings, with Valencia being the entrance of the artistic influences of this style in Spain. Neither must one miss the Courtyard of Ambassador Vich and the previously unseen work of Velázquez.

The historical building that houses the museum was originally the San Pío Seminary College, founded in 1683 by Brother Juan Tomás de Rocabertí, the Archbishop of Valencia. The architect Juan Bautista Pérez Castiel, master of works on the Cathedral, was responsible for its design. Building work was carried out between 1683 and 1744, although the church was partly demolished in 1925. The building has been used for three different purposes: A Military Cadet Academy, a Charity Centre, an army supplies storehouse and a Military Hospital, until 1946 when it was chosen to be used for the Museum of Fine Arts. The artistic journey begins with a selection of the so-called Primitivos Valencianos (medieval painters), which covers the period between the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 16th century, displaying the work of such emblematic artists as Alcanyís, Nicolau, Jacomart and Reixach among others.

Also exhibited are the works of painters from the Valencian School such as Joanes, los Ribalta, Espinosa, Vicente López, Soralla, Pinazo and others. Other exhibits include works by Pintoricchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco and Goya. Also displayed is a wide collection of drawings and etchings as well as sculptures, archaeological pieces, architectonic fragments and some examples of portable art.