Is the Holy Grail really in Valencia?

The Valencia Cathedral houses the 'Santo Cáliz,' which many historians and the Catholic Church consider the most likely candidate for the Holy Grail. It is an agate cup dated to the 1st century BC, though its ornate gold base was added later in the Middle Ages.

What is the best time to visit Valencia Cathedral?

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning around 10:00 AM to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. Note that visiting for tourism is restricted during mass times, especially on Sundays.

Are the Torres de Serranos worth visiting?

Yes, they are considered one of the finest examples of Gothic military architecture in Europe. Climbing the towers provides an excellent view of both the historic center and the modern Turia Gardens.

Can I see the Water Tribunal in Valencia?

Yes, you can witness this ancient tradition every Thursday at 12:00 PM outside the Door of the Apostles at the Valencia Cathedral. It is a free public event where local judges settle irrigation disputes in the Valencian language.

Is Valencia's old town wheelchair accessible?

Most of the streets in the Ciutat Vella are flat and accessible, though some older alleys have uneven paving. The main floor of the Cathedral and the Almoina Museum are accessible, but the Micalet tower and the top of the Torres de Serranos are not.

The Micalet is the 14th-century bell tower of Valencia Cathedral. It is an octagonal Gothic tower that serves as one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Absolutely. The route is short and features visually engaging sites like the Roman ruins under glass and the massive castle-like towers. The nearby Turia Gardens also offer plenty of space for children to run.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to explore the multilayered history of Valencia’s Ciutat Vella with this self-guided walk through the city's most significant religious and architectural landmarks. Your journey begins at the very spot where the Romans founded 'Valentia' over two thousand years ago, before leading you through a tapestry of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. This walking route is designed for those who want to uncover the secrets of the Holy Grail and the defensive prowess of medieval Spain at their own pace. As you navigate the cobblestone streets, you will encounter the spiritual heart of the city at the Plaça de la Mare de Déu and the awe-inspiring Valencia Cathedral. This cathedral is not just a masterpiece of Mediterranean Gothic architecture; it is also the home of the Santo Cáliz, a vessel many believe to be the true Holy Grail. Beyond the religious monuments, this walking route Valencia offers provides a deep dive into the civil history of the region. You will see the formidable Torres de Serranos, once the primary gate to the city, standing as a testament to Valencia's medieval might. Whether you are interested in the transition from Roman ruins to Christian basilicas or simply want to admire the intricate masonry of the Micalet bell tower, this self-guided adventure provides the context you need. Unlike a traditional guided tour Valencia might offer, this audio-enhanced stroll allows you to pause for a café con leche or spend extra time photographing the ornate frescoes of the Basilica without a fixed schedule. It is a perfect introduction for first-time visitors seeking to understand how Valencia’s identity was forged through centuries of conquest, faith, and artistic evolution.

Highlights

Discover Roman ruins through the glass floor of the Almoina Museum

Marvel at the Baroque ceiling of the Basilica of the Forsaken

See the Holy Chalice, claimed to be the Holy Grail, inside the Cathedral

Climb the octagonal Micalet bell tower for 360-degree city views

Stand before the massive Torres de Serranos, once the main city gate

Tour Stops (6)

La Almoina Archaeological Museum

Welcome to the birthplace of Valencia. Below your feet lies the original Roman city of Valentia, founded in 138 BC. This museum is unique because its glass floor allows you to peer directly onto the ancient Roman forum, baths, and streets. After the Roman era, this site served as a Visigothic cemetery and later an Islamic neighborhood. The name 'Almoina' refers to the 'Alms' house that stood here in the 14th century, which provided food for the poor. It is a physical timeline of the city’s evolution, showing how each civilization literally built upon the ruins of the previous one.

Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados

This Baroque basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Valencia, the Virgin of the Forsaken. Built in the 17th century, it was one of the first Spanish churches to feature an oval floor plan. Look up at the magnificent dome; the frescoes here were painted by Antonio Palomino and are considered a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art. The statue of the Virgin is uniquely positioned leaning forward, a tradition stemming from its original placement over the coffered lids of the deceased in the hospital of the 'forsaken' for which it was named.

Plaça de la Mare de Déu

You are standing in the spiritual and civic heart of Valencia. This square occupies what was once the Roman Forum. Notice the impressive fountain in the center: the central figure represents the Turia River, while the eight surrounding female figures represent the main irrigation canals that feed the Valencian plains. This square is also the site of the Water Tribunal, the oldest legal institution in Europe, which has met every Thursday at noon for over a thousand years to settle irrigation disputes among local farmers.

El Micalet

The Micalet is the iconic octagonal bell tower of Valencia Cathedral. Completed in 1424, it stands as a prime example of Valencian Gothic architecture. The tower is 51 meters high—exactly equal to its circumference. If you choose to climb the 207 steps of the spiral staircase, you will be rewarded with the best panoramic views of the city. The name 'Micalet' comes from the largest bell, 'Miquel,' which was blessed on St. Michael’s Day. For centuries, its chimes regulated the daily life and irrigation schedules of the entire city.

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral is a fascinating architectural puzzle, blending Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. While the exterior doors show these varying influences, the interior holds the city's greatest treasure: the Holy Chalice. Located in a dedicated chapel, this agate cup is dated to the 1st century BC and is recognized by the Vatican as a likely candidate for the vessel used at the Last Supper. Don't miss the high altar, which hides stunning Renaissance frescoes that were only rediscovered in 2004 during a restoration project.

Torres de Serranos

To conclude your walk, walk north to the Torres de Serranos. These massive twin towers were built in the late 14th century as part of the city's defensive walls. They are one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic military architecture in Europe. While they were built to defend the city, they also served as a triumphal arch for official entries of kings and ambassadors. Later, they even served as a prison for the nobility. Today, they mark the entrance to the old town and offer a fantastic vantage point over the Turia Gardens, the dry riverbed that now serves as Valencia's green lung.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical self-guided walk through the Ciutat Vella takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to admire the Cathedral, climb the Micalet, and explore the Torres de Serranos. The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).