Valencia Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church and Silk Exchange Tour

Valencia Cathedral and the Holy Grail

Valencia Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, was begun in 1262 on the site of a former mosque. It blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements, and its octagonal bell tower, the Miguelete, is the city's best-known symbol. Entry to the Cathedral is included, so you can go inside with your guide.

Inside is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, which tradition says holds the Holy Grail, one of the most celebrated relics in Christendom. Your guide explains why it draws pilgrims and visitors, and why a Valencia Cathedral tour is a highlight of any trip. Check the opening hours and dress code, as religious services can affect visiting times.

The Church of Saint Nicholas and its Baroque frescoes

The Church of Saint Nicholas is a Gothic building whose interior was covered in Baroque decoration in the 17th century. Around 2,000 square metres of frescoes, painted by Dionis Vidal, fill the walls and ceiling with gold, colour and movement, and the church is often called the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. Entry is included from Tuesday to Sunday.

On Mondays the church is closed to visitors, and the tour replaces it with a visit to Valencia City Hall, a monumental building on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento whose halls reveal centuries of civic history. Either way, you see a landmark you might otherwise walk past, and your guide explains the story behind it.

The Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange

The Lonja de la Seda was built between 1482 and 1533 as a trading hall for Valencia's silk merchants, and it is considered one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in Europe. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Its main hall has soaring twisted columns that spread into the ceiling like palm trees.

Entry is included on this tour, and the guide explains how the city grew rich on silk and what life in a medieval trading hub was like. The Lonja stands opposite the Central Market, one of the largest fresh-produce markets in Europe, so you can extend your visit afterwards on your own.

Squares, walls and the historic centre

Between the main stops the guide walks you through the medieval quarter, past remnants of the old city walls and into Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen, two of Valencia's best-loved squares. Near the Cathedral you learn about the Almoina, the archaeological remains of Roman Valentia, founded in 138 BC.

Most of the route is on foot along pedestrian streets. The tour lasts about three hours and ends near Plaza de la Virgen, close to cafes and shops. If you are looking for the best way to see the old town of Valencia, a guided walking tour with entry tickets saves time and queueing. On the cruise option, panoramic bus views of the city are added.