The Cathedral del Santo Cáliz (Holy Grail) was erected on the site of the ancient Arab mosque of Balansiya (the name Muslims used for city), which, in turn, was built over the ancient Visigothic cathedral and on top of an ancient Roman temple.

The first stone of the cathedral del Santo Cáliz was laid on June 22, 1262.

In the 14th century, its three most important parts were completed: the Apostles’ Gate, the chapter hall, and the dome.

Almost a century later, the naves of the Cathedral were expanded, and in 1425, the construction of the bell tower “El Micalet,” was completed. If you’re brave and in good shape, you can climb 207 steps of “El Micalet” and be rewarded with a stunning view of the city.

Do you believe in a story of the Holy Grail?

The legend goes like this: supposedly, Saint Peter kept the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper and took it to Rome. In the 3rd century, when they began persecuting Christians, it was hidden in a monastery in the Pyrenees. Since the 14th century the Holy Grail has been kept in Zaragoza and later, it was deposited in Valencia Cathedral.

Thanks to archaeological research, it is known that the cup dates back to the period between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD and that it was made in an oriental workshop in Egypt, Syria or Palestine itself.

In addition to the Holy Grail, this building houses significant works of art.

The frescoes in the Main Altar stand out; they were hidden for many years behind marble plates and were discovered in 2004 during maintenance. These works were commissioned by Pope Borgia, of Valencian origin.

Well, and of course, If you find yourself in the cathedral, don't miss the paintings by Francisco de Goya. The paintings are dedicated to Francisco de Borgia - a descendant of the Valencian popes Alfonso and Rodrigo. A court painter to the Spanish monarchy, Goya is widely considered Spain's greatest artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

There is one example of how Valencia keeps its traditions. The Tribunal de Las Aguas (Court of Waters) meets outside the Door of the Apostles in the Plaza de la Virgen, every Thursday at midday. The Court of Waters of the valley of Valencia is the oldest institution of justice in Europe that has been alive for over a thousand years. The tribunal is made up of eight farmers who still wear the typical black blouse of the Huerta (the irrigated fields around Valencia). The members are democratically elected every two years. They sit in a circle on 17th-century wood and leather chairs and make decisions about irrigation systems of the region. The speed with which problems are resolved has made the Tribunal world famous, and it has been used as a model for other institutions.

Enjoy the beauty of the cathedral and learn more about the history of Valencia.

About this place