Valencia through its churches
A tour of the most iconic churches
A city like Valencia, with more than 2,000 years of history and one of the largest historic centers in Europe, offers the perfect setting for a relaxed visit to its finest Christian temples. The vast majority were built over mosques from the city’s Islamic period. They represent nearly all architectural styles, and most are located in Ciutat Vella.
Valencia Cathedral
It is no coincidence to start the tour at the Cathedral in the very heart of the city. This Gothic construction exudes sober beauty, as seen in the Door of the Apostles, with a Romanesque portal (the Palau) and a Baroque one (the Iron Door). It was built on the site of a former Roman temple and later the main mosque. Notable features include its bell tower, the famous Micalet, the dome at the transept, and inside, the chapel housing the Holy Chalice, the Renaissance frescoes of musician angels, the main altarpiece by Yañez de la Almedina and Hernando de Llanos, and a couple of Goya paintings in the cathedral museum.
Next door is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, a pilgrimage site. It is the only church in the historic center not built over older parishes or convents, but a new Baroque-style construction. Notable is its chancel, one of the first built in Spain. The vault paintings are the immortal work of Antonio Palomino, chamber painter to Charles II.
Church of San Juan del Hospital
Also nearby (Trinquete de Caballeros, 5) is the Church of San Juan del Hospital, the oldest in the city, built by direct order of Jaume I after the conquest of Balansiya. It is a clear example of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles and preserves Mudéjar influences. Its small adjoining cemetery preserves a section of the spina (central wall) of the ancient Roman circus.
San Nicolás
The next parish on this route, San Nicolás (Caballeros, 35), is an absolute must-see for its pictorial treasures. Upon entering this Gothic-based church, your gaze is immediately drawn to the ribbed vault, adorned with frescoes designed by Palomino and executed by his Valencian disciple, Dionís Vidal. Covering 1,900 square meters, these allegories have earned it the nickname “the Valencian Sistine Chapel.”
Santa Catalina
On a corner of Plaza de la Reina, occupying Lope de Vega Street entirely, stands the Gothic Church of Santa Catalina. Its delicate Baroque bell tower, created by Juan Bautista Viñes in the 17th century, is particularly noteworthy.
Church of El Patriarca
On Calle de la Nau, and in good company with the historic seat of the University of Valencia, stands the Church of El Patriarca, part of the Royal College Seminary of Corpus Christi. Its structure displays Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Don’t miss the museum, featuring notable works by classical Valencian painters, nor the intriguing crocodile at its entrance, which is the origin of a curious legend. The cloister is also remarkable.
Church of the Santos Juanes
No visit would be complete without seeing the Santos Juanes, a notable Gothic-based church with a Baroque façade, located between the Silk Exchange and the Central Market. From its initial phase, it retains the partially blocked rose window, known as the “O of Sant Joan.” The vault paintings, also by the great Palomino, were partially damaged by a fire during the Civil War.
Convent of Santo Domingo
Outside the old fortified city, there are today two convents of great heritage value. One is Santo Domingo (Plaza de Tetuán), former headquarters of the General Captaincy, and home to the most beautiful examples of Valencian Flamboyant or Mediterranean Gothic. Its ribs and helicoidal arches are awe-inspiring.
Royal Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity
The other is the Royal Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, next to the Museum of Fine Arts, an outstanding 15th-century work from the city’s peak period. It transitions from the most classic Gothic to full Renaissance style. It was built on the site of a Trinitarian convent complex that included a hospital.
Museum of Fine Arts
Although not a church, but formerly a seminary, what is today the Museum of Fine Arts of the city houses an extremely interesting collection of unique pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries, including many altarpieces, which showcase the evolution of medieval religious art.
Plan a tour to explore the rich heritage of these Valencian churches.
THE MOST VISITED CHURCHES
Entrance ticket to San Nicolás, the Sistine Chapel of Valencia
From Tuesday to Sunday
Audio guide: Valencian, Spanish, English, French and Italian
