Valencia Cathedral & Holy Grail

Overview

Valencia Cathedral (Seu) layers Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical styles across 800 years of construction. It claims to house the Holy Grail—a 1st-century agate chalice that scientific study has not disproven.

Highlights

• Holy Grail Chapel: The Santo Cáliz (Holy Chalice), accepted by the Vatican as historically plausible.
• Miguelete Tower: The cathedral's octagonal bell tower with 207 steps to city views.
• Goya frescoes: Two paintings by Goya in the Chapel of San Francisco de Borja.

History

Built on a Roman temple, then a mosque, the cathedral was begun in 1262 in Romanesque style and completed with Baroque additions in the 17th century.

Visitor Tips

• Miguelete separately: Tower ticket is separate from the cathedral.
• Light: The best interior light flows through the Gothic lantern tower.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.