What is the Holy Grail relic like

The Holy Grail is kept in a glass case in the Chapel of the Cathedral of Valencia. Although you may not be able to see all its details up close, here we explain what makes this piece unique.

Three parts in one piece

The cup is made up of three elements: the upper bowl of agate, the base, and the handles.

The original bowl

The upper part, made of polished agate, is the authentic relic. According to studies by Professor Antonio Beltrán, it was crafted between the 4th century BC and 1st century AD in an Eastern workshop, likely in Egypt, Syria, or Palestine.

The base, handles, and decorations

The base was added around the 12th century and comes from an Egyptian or Caliphate cup from the 10th or 11th century. The pearls and precious stones that adorn it were added later, possibly when the Holy Chalice was venerated at the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña.


 

6 curiosities you should know about the Holy Grail

Good Friday of 1744

The chalice survived an accidental fall on Good Friday of 1744, and emerged unscathed from the War of Independence, being moved from Valencia to Alicante, Ibiza, and Palma de Mallorca. It was also saved from the desecration of the Cathedral during the Civil War, thanks to a family who first hid it in their home on Avellanas Street in Valencia and later in Carlet, until the conflict ended.

It only leaves its chapel twice a year

The Holy Grail only leaves its chapel twice a year to be carried in procession to the High Altar of the Cathedral. The first occasion is on Maundy Thursday, during the “In Coena Domini” Mass; the second is on the last Thursday of October, for the celebration of the Annual Feast of the Holy Grail.

The replica of the Holy Grail

But if you don’t have the chance to see it in person on those two occasions, you can visit the Valencian Community Craft Center to get a close look at the replica of the Holy Grail, created by the expert goldsmiths Piro.

Only seven cities celebrate a Jubilee Year

Only seven places in the world celebrate a perpetual Jubilee Year: Valencia, Santiago de Compostela, Camaleño (Cantabria), Urda (Toledo), Caravaca de la Cruz (Murcia), Rome, and Jerusalem.

The album El Grial

What does the Holy Grail sound like? You can find out on the album El Grial by the group specialized in early music, Capella de Ministrers. It is a collection of crusade songs, chants from pilgrimage centers, reflections of medieval literature in music, and the symbolic significance it acquired under Alfonso the Magnanimous. In this album, Capella de Ministrers brings together music and poetry from the Middle Ages inspired by Chrétien de Troyes, Robert de Boron, Wolfram von Eschenbach, and Hélinand de Froidmont.

The Holy Grail has a hat

Our chalice also gives its name to a hat. It is the Grial model, available at Sombreros Albero on Xàtiva Street, 21, or in their online store. It is inspired by the Fedora hat worn by Indiana Jones in his last crusade.


 

València and the Holy Grail: history, art, and spirituality

Discover the ancient origin of the relic, its details, its chapel, and the routes that connect faith and culture in the heart of the city.

Almudín centro visitantes Santo Cáliz

Visit the Holy Grail Centre at the Almudín in València, a unique exhibition about the history, art, and faith surrounding this relic.

View more Holy Grail Visitors Centre
Capilla Santo Cáliz Valencia

It will take place from October 30, 2025, to October 29, 2026, and visitors can receive plenary indulgence, a privilege reserved for such exceptional occasions.

View more Third Holy Grail Jubilee Year
Capilla Santo Cáliz Valencia

Visit this serene and unique chapel. Admire its alabaster altarpiece, the starry vault, and the treasures that reflect centuries of art and devotion.

View more The Chapel of the Holy Grail
Palacio de los Borja Valencia

Travel to the Valencian Golden Century, when silk, the Borjas, and the Holy Grail marked an era of splendor.

View more The Valencia of the Golden Century and the Holy Grail
Pintura última cea Santo Cáliz Valencia

Follow its captivating journey from Jerusalem to the Cathedral—a relic that has traversed centuries, kingdoms, and monasteries, leaving its imprint everywhere it went.

View more How the Holy Chalice came to Valencia
Centro histórico

Discover the Holy Grail that may have been used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, kept in Valencia’s Cathedral.

View more Valencia, City of the Holy Grail