Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral, in full, the Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, is the liturgical centre of the city and is dedicated to St. Mary, explaining why in Spanish it is sometimes referred to as the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia.

The Holy Grail

According to historical records, the cathedral's chalice is supposedly the Holy Grail. It is said to be the cup that was used at the Last Supper. Thorough examinations on this matter have brought forward that the chalice of Valencia Cathedral can be dated back to the time of Jesus Christ. Tracing back the historical path of the chalice, there are certain parallels noticeable with the storytelling about the legend of the Holy Grail by Wolfram von Eschenbach. The alleged Holy Grail is exhibited in a separate chapel. It was last used for Holy Masses held by both Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Architecture

Despite of having been built in Gothic style, there are several other architecture styles intertwined in the cathedral. The main doorway is kept in Baroque style, whereas the side entrances are a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque types of architecture. The steeple, built in the 14th century and nicknamed “Micalet”, is truly one of the city's landmarks. A circular staircase leads to a terrace, where one may enjoy a view on the entire city, the surroundings and the Mediterranean Sea.

The cathedral, in its modern appearance, was constructed on the remains of the main mosque of Valencia, which was then built in the 7th century. Funnily, the mosque was also built on another sacred building, the remains of a Roman temple. The construction  period for the cathedral began in the 13th century and lasted until the 15th century. Up and until the 17th century, renovation work was carried out.

On foot

The cathedral is located in Valencia's historical old town district. One can get here easily on foot as it is only a few metres away from the former riverbed of the Turia. Its steeple can be seen from almost any part of the city. To many people it's an aid to orientation.