Finding the Holy Grail in Valencia Cathedral

Built in the 13th century, following the Reconquista - the Christian reconquest - of Valencia, St Mary's Cathedral was built on the ruins of the Balansia mosque, which had already served as a Christian place of worship since the creation of the Kingdom of Valencia by Jaime I the Conqueror. The religious authorities wanted to demolish the mosque, a sign of Muslim domination, and replace it with a cathedral that would symbolise the return of Valencia to Christian hands.

Over the following centuries, the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie de Valence was modified and enlarged on several occasions, and its construction was completed in the 17th century, giving it a blend of styles from different periods, although the Gothic style remains predominant. You can see a wide range of architectural styles, from Valencian Gothic to Neo-Classical, Baroque and Renaissance.

The most famous item in the church is probably the Holy Chalice: kept in a chapel in the cathedral, you can see an agate cup decorated with Arabic inscriptions. According to the Vatican, this is the actual cup used by Jesus and his twelve disciples at the Last Supper.

According to history, it was placed in a safe place by Saint Lawrence to prevent it falling into the hands of the Roman Emperor Valerian, who was persecuting Christians at the time. The most courageous can climb the 207 steps leading up to the Miguelete (or Micalet), the cathedral's bell tower. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it rises to a height of 50 metres and offers an uninterrupted view of Valencia.

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You should also stop off at the Apostles' Gate, built in the 14th century in a lush Baroque style. As a little anecdote, every Thursday at 12 noon, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Valencian Water Tribunal) meets in front of the gate. Set up by King James I in the Middle Ages, the Tribunal is made up of eight farmers elected every two years by the Valencian community of irrigators.

Its purpose is to resolve disputes relating to irrigation and the allocation of water from the Turia. Judgements are given orally in Valencian and decisions are irrevocable. Considered a model institution, the Valencian Water Court still exists today. It is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.