Apartamentos Catedral

Valencia Cathedral, which belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, sits in the northeastern part of the Old Town and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The building follows the plan of a Latin cross with three naves and a triforium, and the choir is unusually oriented to the northeast. The history of the site reaches back to antiquity: a Roman temple once stood here, which was later converted into a mosque. After the Reconquista in 1237, reconstruction began as a Christian church, and the main Gothic phase took place between 1262 and the 15th century. Later building phases shaped its appearance with elements of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Especially worth noting are the west façade, considered one of the most important works of Spanish Baroque, and the octagonal bell tower known as El Micalet. This 51-meter-high tower houses historically significant bells, which are traditionally rung by hand by a guild of bell ringers.

Inside, visitors will find a fascinating blend of architecture and art. A central point is the chapter house, where the Holy Chalice is kept, an artifact that dates back to antiquity and has been venerated here since the 16th century. The late Gothic room, with its star vault and frescoes, offers an impressive setting. Other highlights include the numerous chapels, among them the chapel of Saint Francis Borgia, which is adorned with large paintings by Francisco Goya. The adjoining museum displays valuable reliquaries, liturgical vestments, and paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. The largest monstrance in the world deserves special attention: a masterpiece of gilded silver that stands more than five meters tall. The modern organ, built in 2015 using historic pipe material, also adds to the acoustic and cultural importance of the site.