Valencia Cathedral, Valencia

Valencia Cathedral, Valencia

The Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, also known as Saint Mary's Cathedral, was established in the 13th century on the site of a Roman-Visigoth temple of Diana which had been converted into a mosque.

The Metropolitan Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, also known as Saint Mary's Cathedral, was established in the 13th century on the site of a Roman-Visigoth temple of Diana which had been converted into a mosque. Originally built in Valencian Gothic style, it has been expanded over the centuries with the addition of Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical elements.

The main portal is the Baroque Puerta de los Hierros to the south, also known as Ferros for the iron fence surrounding the entrance. The Gothic Puerta de los Apóstoles in the west dates from the 14th century has a rose window with the Star of David, and 48 reliefs between its columns representing the Virgin and angels. The Romanesque Puerta del Palau or l'Almoina in the east has the oldest door in the cathedral, and was next to the alms house. To the north is the Sant Jordi Chapel and old Chapel of the Tapiners, next to which is the Renaissance style open galleries of Obra Nova, formed by 3 superimposed arcades supported by Doric and Ionic columns. The Miguelete Tower is the belfry of the Cathedral.

The most revered treasure in the Cathedral is the Santo Caliz, the Holy Chalice which is believed to be the famous Holy Grail used by Christ in the Last Supper. The 6.5 inch tall ancient agate cup is attached to a medieval gilded stem and alabaster base adorned with pearls and precious stones. It is preserved in the alabaster altarpiece of the 14th century Santo Caliz Chapel which was designed in Flamboyant Gothic style by Antoni Dalmau.

The Gothic interiors contain several works of art, including 2 Goya paintings in the San Francesco chapel, polychrome wood carving of Virgin Mary by Vergara in the high altar, stucco sculptures of the Four Evangelists on the 4 pillars of the transept, alabaster high-relief of the Resurrection of the Lord by Gregorio de Biguernyand in the Chapel of Resurrection, and marble reliefs and gilded sculptures of the Great Chapel.