Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral is located in the Spanish city of Valencia and serves as the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Valencia. Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, it features a Gothic architectural style. However, due to its two-century-long construction period, it also incorporates elements of Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.

The site of Valencia Cathedral was originally the location of a Visigothic cathedral, which was converted into a mosque during Moorish rule. After the Reconquista, in 1238, the first Bishop of Valencia consecrated the mosque as a Christian church, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary under the orders of King James I, at a time when Qur'anic inscriptions were still visible on the walls. In 1262, the bishop ordered its demolition and the construction of the current cathedral. Inside the church, there are many 15th-century paintings, some by local artists and others by Roman artists, gifted by Pope Alexander VI, who was born in Valencia.

Valencia Cathedral houses a relic known as the Holy Chalice, believed to be the authentic cup used at the Last Supper. Most Christian historians agree that among all the so-called Holy Grails, the Valencia Chalice is the most likely to be the actual cup used at the Last Supper. Dating back to the 1st century, the chalice was donated to Valencia Cathedral in 1436 by King Alfonso V of Aragon.

Valencia Cathedral

Must-visit reason: Valencia’s most important church

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Spain[Spain]

Province/State: Valencian Autonomous Community [Valencian Autonomous Community]

City: Valencia [Valencia]