The Church and Convent of Carmen is a rare find in the centre of Valencia. It doesn't have a huge tourist status, it is unreformed and hidden away, which makes it spectacularly atmospheric, desolate and authentic. In front of a quiet square, it towers over you, breathing with antiquity. The spectacular and enormous church facade is a gorgeous Baroque with a Classical core and scarred with centuries. The huge bell tower must be one of the highest ancient buildings in Valencia. Many famous Spanish artists worked on this building throughout its history. There are also two cloisters inside - one Gothic and one Rennaisance. Just as desolate, and sometimes invaded by growth, they invite you to wonder amongst the sun-lit arches. Add to it the fact that the Carmen square is one of the oldest parts of the city, a part that has seen the Visigoths and Muslims, and you get the whole experience. You will get a feeling that time has stopped here. The Carmen complex is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Valencia and will stun even someone who is indifferent to religious architecture.

History: the church was built in 1281 for the Order of Carmelites who gained power after the death of King Jaime. The Gothic cloister was added in XV century, and the Rennaisance one in XVI. The church facade was created in two phases - first the core by a XVII architect Sant Marti, a fairly classical and solemn artist, and then the core was surrounded by a more lush XVII century Baroque. The Carmelites were expelled in XIX century. Now the church is still active and the convent is used for Museo del Carmen - an art exhibition venue.

SERVICES

printout in Spanish on the history of the church and convent

Religious service in the church: mass at 9.30 and 19.30-20.00 every day, on Sun it is 10.00, 12.00 and 23-24.00. July to September there is no mass in the mornings on weekdays and no mass at night on Sundays. Confessions Tue-Thu 6pm - 7.30