Visit any city and you are sure to find a cathedral complete with tales passed down through time and Valencia Cathedral is no exception. Originally built in 1238 over the site of an existing cathedral later turned into a mosque, its architectural style is mostly Gothic. But since construction of the cathedral continued for many years various other styles of architecture were added.
While the main section is absolutely gorgeous with its domed ceilings, stained glass windows and ornate styles there is much more to explore. Along each side sits elaborately decorated smaller chapels, common to many churches throughout the world yet this one has something special. Locked away in a glass case is what has been proven to be the original chalice handled by Jesus when he first broke bread with his disciples.
The Holy Grail that was made famous by action-adventure, big budget Hollywood films REALLY does exist and is housed in a side chapel at Valencia cathedral. While we always enjoy seeing churches as we travel we had NO idea that we would be seeing something so unique. Although much smaller than we had expected especially since it was locked in a case and roped off from the public by many feet, but still something worth seeing.
Another stop on yesterdays outing was La Lonja, the former building that housed the Silk Exchange. This Gothic style civil building was the only one of its day that held merchant transactions that made the city so prosperous in the 15th century. Construction of the building began back in 1483, before the United States was even discovered by Columbus. Inside the ornate structure there once was a trading floor, prison, chapel and more.
Valencia is a lovely city, rich in culture and history that features beautiful Mediterranean beaches, a large seaport, great shopping, an old town, many museums and the Holy Grail. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and will surely return. Tomorrow we are off to see the cardiologist for Clyde's one month checkup of his new pacemaker. He is doing fine and we are looking forward to hitting the road on Saturday for more adventures in Spain......along the gringo trail.
http://www.catedraldevalencia.es/en/el-santo-caliz_historia.php
http://www.valencia-cityguide.com/tourist-attractions/monuments/lonja-de-la-seda.html
The Holy Grail
While the main section is absolutely gorgeous with its domed ceilings, stained glass windows and ornate styles there is much more to explore. Along each side sits elaborately decorated smaller chapels, common to many churches throughout the world yet this one has something special. Locked away in a glass case is what has been proven to be the original chalice handled by Jesus when he first broke bread with his disciples.
Inside The Cathedral
The Holy Grail that was made famous by action-adventure, big budget Hollywood films REALLY does exist and is housed in a side chapel at Valencia cathedral. While we always enjoy seeing churches as we travel we had NO idea that we would be seeing something so unique. Although much smaller than we had expected especially since it was locked in a case and roped off from the public by many feet, but still something worth seeing.
Another stop on yesterdays outing was La Lonja, the former building that housed the Silk Exchange. This Gothic style civil building was the only one of its day that held merchant transactions that made the city so prosperous in the 15th century. Construction of the building began back in 1483, before the United States was even discovered by Columbus. Inside the ornate structure there once was a trading floor, prison, chapel and more.
The Silk Exchange
http://www.catedraldevalencia.es/en/el-santo-caliz_historia.php
http://www.valencia-cityguide.com/tourist-attractions/monuments/lonja-de-la-seda.html
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