Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María

Catedral de València is located on a site that has been a place of worship for many centuries. The present-day cathedral sits on the remains of the old Balansiya mosque, which is situated on a 5th century Visigoth cathedral, which was built on a Roman place of worship devoted to Jupiter and Diana. By visiting the cathedral today, you are not only exploring its current incarnation; you are also taking steps back into the history of worship and religion.

Construction work started on València cathedral in the 13th century and continued until the 15th century. Its style is therefore mainly Gothic, though there are elements of Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and even Neoclassical.

One of the highlights of Catedral de València is the Holy Grail. The famous Cup is housed in a chapel inside the great cathedral. Gifted to the city by Alfonso the Magnanimous in 1437, the Chalice is arguably the most important relic in the Christian faith as it was the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Fi you are interested in this history, you could even walk the Holy Grail trail that traces all the destinations the Cup passed through on its way to València.

As you step inside the cathedral you will be taken aback by the alabaster Gothic altar, Capilla del Santo Cáliz (Chapel of the Holy Grail), the beautiful lantern and the spectacular frescoes above the main altar.

A number of doors provide access to the cathedral, representing the evolution of artistic styles throughout its long construction. Los Hierros is a Baroque door whereas Puerta de los Apóstoles is a Gothic door. Every Thursday, Tribunal de las Aguas meets here to discuss the division of water. This historic institution has been listed Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Catedral de València is an absolute must-visit during your next getaway in the city. Make sure you come and take a look around.