In the heart of Valencia, the thick walls of the Cathedral of Valencia enclose not only relics and secrets, but also a deep devotion and traditions that are intertwined with an unparalleled cultural and architectural value.
Next to it, stands the emblematic gothic tower El Miguelete , a symbol of the city. Today we invite you to a journey through the history, architecture and beliefs that come to life in the Cathedral, El Miguelete and the Holy Chalice.
Originally a temple dedicated to Jupiter in Roman times, the site evolved over the centuries: first to a Christian church in the 6th century, then transformed into a mosque under Muslim rule. Curiously, the construction of the Cathedral, as we know it today, did not begin until 24 years after the conquest, extending over four centuries. Today, the Cathedral has a Latin cross plan, with a central nave of 22 meters high and side aisles that reach almost 16 meters.
In , the Cathedral was expanded to include the majestic bell tower El Miguelete and the chapel that houses the Holy Chalice , creating an even grander complex. The Cathedral of Valencia, an architectural collage through time, harmoniously fuses elements of the Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles, the latter being the most prominent.
Known as the most recent entrance to the Cathedral, the Main Door was built between and This portal, a baroque masterpiece, is framed by an impressive three-story facade:. This gate is also known as the Iron Gate , due to the iron bars that guard the entrance. It is the oldest entrance of the cathedral, being of Romanesque style and differing from the rest of the predominantly Gothic architectural style.
