Centrally located on the Plaza de la Reina, this is the religious centre of Valencia and one of the city's landmarks, not to mention they have the Holy Grail here! First founded in 13th century on the site of the main mosque, right after the Re-conquista, it is a spectacular hybrid of styles, from Gothic to Baroque and Neo-Classical, with 3 portals to suit each style. The Baroque facade is the most recycled image, but do walk around it all to fully appreciate it - every side of it is a different mood, from shady fortress-like West side, to the Gothic Portal of the Apostles on Plaza de la Reina, to the cosy narrow street passageways on the East side.

The very impressive octagonal bell-tower El Micalet is the landmark of Valencia, available in all souvenir and postcard shops. You can climb the stairs to the top (warning: are you fit enough? - it's the highest religious structure in Valencia) to enjoy the views of Valencia's old town.

The luxurious interior is worth checking out too, with many interesting elements apart from the overall decor and much famous religious art. For more info and photos see interior of Valencia Cathedral on "Traveling in Spain"

For starters, there is a work of Goya - said to be the first one to display his characteristic demon-like phantasmic creatures.

There is also a mummified hand of San Vicente Martyr (patron saint of the Valencian Community) - the man who changed the course of history here.

Cathedral Museum is situated in a few adjacent enclaves and hosts medieval religious art and artefacts. For more info and photos see Cathedral Museum on "Traveling in Spain"

And, of course, you could see the Holy Grail itself here. It sounds like a very bold claim, but more and more researchers are now beginning to agree that all the evidence points to the item in the Valencia Cathedral as the authentic cup used by Jesus in the Last Supper. All other claims worldwide have been dispelled so far, with the exception of this one. And, for the Iniana Jones fans - it's not meant to be wooden, it's meant to be made of stone.

SERVICES

Audio-guides supplied with the ticket

Religious services in the Cathedral: Mass at 8.00, 9.00, 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00. From June to October extra service at 13.00