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Visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Valencia, Spain

valence cathédrale sainte marie

During our visit to Valencia, we marveled at the city, its local life, its beaches and its many monuments. One of them certainly stands out from the rest: the majestic Sainte-Marie Cathedral.

This emblematic building, whose “El Miguelete” bell tower dominates the heart of old Valencia, is a must-see in our opinion. To explore this cathedral is not simply to visit a monument; it’s to feel the soul of the city, discover its history and embrace its rich religious and cultural tradition.

What to see at Sainte-Marie Cathedral

To enter Sainte-Marie Cathedral is to open a door on the history of this unique place. First stop, the marvellous bell tower known as “El Miguelete”. At 51 metres high, it is not only a city icon, but also offers a splendid 360-degree panorama of the entire city.

The 207 steps may seem daunting, but the reward at the top is priceless: a breathtaking view of the entire city. It’s certainly one of the best views of the city of Valencia and its blue conical roofs. Floriane even went back there on her second visit to Valencia – if you love it, you can’t compete!

Then head for what many believe to be the Holy Grail. It’s true, Saint Mary’s Cathedral is home to the Holy Chalice, a priceless relic that attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

And don’t forget to take the time to admire the cathedral’s remarkable architecture. The harmonious blend of Valencian Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque creates an aesthetic that fascinates lovers of art and architecture. Every column, every sculpture, every detail seems to tell a story. That’s why we recommend you take your time for this visit.

How do I organize my visit?

Allow around 1 hour to visit the interior of the cathedral, then 45 minutes to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view. The cathedral is generally open every day from 10am to 6:30pm, with summer opening hours extended to 7pm.

It’s always a good idea to get your tickets in advance to avoid waiting, especially during the high season. You can buy them online for around 8 euros, with audio guide included. We also recommend visiting early in the morning. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but the morning beauty of the cathedral is breathtaking.

Our advice: come before 9:30 am the visit of the cathedral is free! So we advise you to set your own alarm clock, or have a child do it for you.

Saint Mary's Cathedral

The history of Sainte-Marie Cathedral

The history of this cathedral begins in 1262, when construction began. At the time, the cathedral was built on the foundations of a former mosque, bearing witness to the cultural and religious influences that intertwined in the region.

Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous modifications to achieve its current appearance, reflecting the evolution of architecture and artistic taste through the ages. Architectural highlights include the 14th-century Gate of the Apostles, as well as the Palau Gate, an example of the Romanesque style, and some Mudejar elements, which add to the cathedral’s architectural richness.

The Micalet Tower, an emblematic icon of the cathedral, stands proudly nearby, adding a touch of grandeur to the ensemble.

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A priceless treasure has been kept in the cathedral since March 18, 1437: the Holy Chalice. This relic is reputed to have been used by Jesus Christ and his Twelve Disciples at the Last Supper. According to historical documents, Saint Lawrence, a deacon of Pope Sixtus II, sent it from Rome to his parents in Huesca, Spain, to protect him from persecution by the anti-Christian Roman Emperor Valerian. Later, the kings of the Crown of Aragon took possession of it, and John II finally handed it over to Valencia Cathedral. This precious relic has added a spiritual and historical dimension to the cathedral’s history.

In recognition of its cultural and architectural importance, Valencia Cathedral was classified as a Site of Cultural Interest in Spain on June 3, 1931. This classification underlines its special status among the country’s historical treasures, making the cathedral a living witness to Valencia’s history and culture.

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What to do around the Cathedral

After exploring Saint Mary’s Cathedral, we invite you to immerse yourself further in the atmosphere of Valencia by visiting the local restaurants around the cathedral. Many establishments serve the delicious Valencian paella, the region’s signature dish.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll also find the Lonja de la Seda, an extraordinary example of the Valencian Civil Gothic style. This UNESCO World Heritage site is well worth a visit.

We also recommend a visit to the Cité des Sciences, in the Parc Turia, to enjoy the various museums, followed by the beautiful Valencian beaches.

How to dress for a visit to the cathedral?

Light clothing should be avoided, and shoulders and legs should ideally be covered. Silence is recommended, and photography must be practiced with discretion, especially during religious services.

Imagine wandering through its alleys, absorbing centuries of history depicted in stone, contemplating the Holy Chalice or admiring the view from “El Miguelete”. This is the experience that St. Mary’s Cathedral offers you, one that we loved and highly recommend. Enjoy your visit!

Feel free to leave us a note below to let us know if you are planning this trip, ask any questions or share on social networks(our Instagram) we will answer you with great pleasure!

Nos essentiels pour visiter Valence

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Matthieu
Matthieu
Voyageur dans l'âme, je me suis toujours senti à ma place partout dans le monde. Je suis aussi passionné par les nouvelles technologies. J'adore tester tous les plats typiques quand j'arrive dans un pays. Toujours à la recherche de nouvelles expériences, je partage celles que je vis à travers ce blog.