Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de Valencia

Immerse yourself in the history and art of the Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr, known as the “Valencian Sistine Chapel.” Today, this Gothic and Baroque gem is reimagined through “The Light of Saint Nicholas,” an immersive videomapping and interactive totem experience that will let you uncover its secrets in a completely new and captivating way.

A journey through the centuries: From Gothic to Baroque

The Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr is a fascinating testament to the architectural and artistic evolution of Valencia.

Established as a parish around 1242, its origins date back to the early years of Christian Valencia.

Between 1419 and 1455, the church underwent a major Gothic renovation driven by the influential Borja family, during which the impressive rib-vaulted ceiling of the central nave was built. This Gothic structure later became the canvas for the Baroque transformation at the end of the 17th century.

Between 1690 and 1693, the church’s interior was completely covered in lavish Baroque decoration. The spectacular frescoes, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr, were designed by the renowned artist Antonio Palomino and executed by his disciple Dionís Vidal. This magnificent work earned the church its nickname, the “Valencian Sistine Chapel.”

In recent years, the church underwent a meticulous and large-scale restoration, revealing the original vibrant polychromy and restoring the brilliance of the frescoes. It has been recognized internationally as one of the most significant restoration efforts due to its scale and the techniques used.

Immersive experience “The Light of Saint Nicholas”

Now, the Church of Saint Nicholas steps into the 21st century with “The Light of Saint Nicholas”, an innovative initiative that blends historical heritage with cutting-edge technology. This permanent immersive experience invites you to rediscover the church through:

• Tribute to beauty: A captivating videomapping projected directly onto the Baroque vault, enhancing the magnificence of the frescoes and sacred art with a dynamic and immersive perspective. The show is displayed every hour starting at 11:00.

• The Heartbeat of Saint Nicholas: The parish’s history unfolds through interactive totems that let you navigate chronologically through its major milestones, accompanied by original music and animations.

• Lux ex oriente: A “stained glass of light” that offers a contemplative and introspective experience, introduced by the symbols and attributes of Saint Nicholas, the parish’s patron saint.

“The Light of Saint Nicholas” is not a temporary exhibit; it’s an experience here to stay, offering a new and exciting way to connect with the art, history, and spirituality of one of Valencia’s most iconic churches.

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