An exemplary monastery with a rich history
The Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes, on the outskirts of Valencia, is one of the finest examples of Valencian Renaissance architecture.
Founded by the Dukes of Calabria in the 16th century to house their family pantheon, this Hieronymite monastery was built over a former Cistercian convent. The original design by Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan de Vidaña was discarded after the Duke's death, fully incorporating the new Renaissance trends.
After years of abandonment in the early 19th century, it was used as a refuge, a psychiatric hospital, a school, and a prison during the Franco regime. Since 1999, it has been the headquarters of the Biblioteca Valenciana (Valencian Library).
Free guided tours of the Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes are available on weekends and public holidays.
Why visit the Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes
- It is one of the best examples of Valencian architecture from the Renaissance period.
- It is considered a precursor to El Escorial in Madrid in its aesthetics and functions, combining a monastery, pantheon, school, and church.
- The building has served many different purposes throughout history.
- To access the extensive bibliographic heritage of the Valencian Community.
What to see at the Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes
Biblioteca Valenciana Nicolau Primitiu
Since 1999, the monastery has housed the central library of the Valencian Community, responsible for preserving and disseminating the region's bibliographic heritage. It holds important documentary collections, personal archives, manuscripts, incunabula, and historical press. It can be visited upon request, or during the open house day usually held around 29 September, the feast of San Miguel.
South Cloister
Built between 1546 and 1607, it is considered one of the most important architectural works of the Valencian Renaissance.
Church of San Miguel
It stands out mainly for its Renaissance-style altarpiece façade, featuring sculptures depicting the Three Wise Men.
Crypt
Beneath the church lie the mortal remains of Ferdinand of Aragon (Duke of Calabria) and Germaine of Foix, the monastery's founders. If you visit on San Miguel's Day, you may witness an extraordinary phenomenon: on that morning only, a ray of sunlight enters and points directly at the tomb of Germaine of Foix.
Carmen Calvo Space
The monastery choir permanently displays the work "Una conversación" (A Conversation), with which the sculptor participated in the 1997 Venice Biennale. It can be visited with a guide from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or during the monastery tours on weekends.