Few buildings in Valencia are as old—or as looming—as its medieval cathedral, built in fortress-like style between 1252 and 1482 on the former site of the Grand Mosque. Naturally enough, the cathedral embodies several design styles, but good old Spanish Gothic predominates. Behind the cathedral proper is a handsome domed basilica. Since the late 15th century, the cathedral’s claim to fame is that it possesses the purported Holy Grail. The agate and gold chalice figures prominently in such mythic tales as Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, and Wagner’s Parsifal. Depending on which legend you prefer, the vessel was either used by Jesus at the Last Supper or by Joseph of Arimathea to collect Jesus’s blood as it dripped from the cross. After touring the cathedral, you can climb the stairway inside the unfinished 47m-high (154-ft.) Gothic tower known as Miguelete ★ (“Micalet” in Valenciano). It affords a panoramic view of the city and the fertile orchards and truck gardens beyond. Or visit the Museo de la Catedral, which has minor works by Goya and Zurbarán.
Valencia, Spain
Travel Guide
Valencia, Spain› Attraction
Catedral (Seu)
Plaza de la Reina
Our Rating
Hours
Cathedral daily 7:30am–1pm and 4:30–8:30pm. Miguelete Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–1:30pm and 7–9pm. Museo de la Catedral Mon–Fri 10am–1pm and 4–7pm
Transportation
Bus: 9, 27, 70, or 71
Phone
96-391-81-27
Prices
Admission to cathedral free; Miguelete 2€; Museo de la Catedral 4.50€
Web site
Catedral (Seu)

Map
Plaza de la Reina Valencia, SpainNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.