Catedral de Santa María de València (La Seu)

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Church

València — Plaça de la Reina / Plaça de l'Almoina, Ciutat Vella

Valencia's Gothic cathedral, begun in 1262 atop the old main mosque, blends Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It holds the Holy Chalice, revered as the Grail, plus works by Goya and Maella; the bell tower, the Miguelete, looks out over the rooftops of the city. Admission to the temple, museum and tower is charged.

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Between the Plaça de la Reina and the Plaça de l'Almoina in the Ciutat Vella stands the Cathedral of Santa María de Valencia, popularly known as La Seu. Built from 1262 over the former main mosque, it is the city's great Gothic temple.

History and architecture

The cathedral holds centuries of history within its walls: over a Gothic core sit Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque elements, the result of successive enlargements and reforms. Walking through its naves and chapels also means tracing the evolution of Valencian art across the centuries.

What to see

The Holy Chalice, kept in a chapel of the temple and venerated by tradition as the Holy Grail.
Paintings attributed to Goya and to Maella, part of the cathedral's artistic holdings.
The Miguelete (Micalet), the bell tower you can climb for a view over the rooftops of Valencia.

Tips for your visit

Admission to the temple, the museum and the bell tower is ticketed; check opening hours before you go.
Save some energy and wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top of the Miguelete.
It sits a few steps from the Almoina and the church of San Nicolás, easy to combine on a stroll through the old town.

Frequently asked questions

Is València Cathedral free or paid?

Entry to the church, museum and bell tower is paid; it's best to check current prices and opening hours on the official website.

Where is València Cathedral?

It's in the heart of Ciutat Vella, between the Plaça de la Reina and the Plaça de l'Almoina.

What can you see in València Cathedral?

The Gothic cathedral, built from 1262 over the old main mosque, blends Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles; it holds the Holy Chalice venerated as the Grail and works by Goya and Maella, and its tower, the Miguelete, offers a splendid view of the city.

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