Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary, more commonly known as Valencia Cathedral, is a significant Catholic church located in Valencia, Spain. Consecrated in 1238 by Archbishop Pere d'Albalat, it was dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I of Aragon. The cathedral's foundations lie on the site of a former Visigothic cathedral, which had been converted into a mosque during the Moorish period. Its architectural character is predominantly Valencian Gothic, but the result of centuries of construction and renovation means it also displays a rich blend of Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical influences.

History and Construction

The primary construction phases of Valencia Cathedral took place between the 13th and 15th centuries. The demolition of the former mosque began around 1270, with the initial construction focusing on the ambulatory and its chapels, along with the Almoina Romanesque gate. By 1350, the crossing, western facade with the Apostles' Gate, and parts of the naves and transepts were completed, alongside the commencement of the octagonal crossing tower, known as the cimbori. A significant expansion occurred in 1459 when architects Francesc Baldomar and Pere Compte extended the nave and transepts, joining the chapter house and the Miguelete Tower to the main structure, bringing the total length to 94 meters. The Baroque period saw the design of the main Iron Gate by Konrad Rudolf, though completed by sculptors Francisco Vergara and Ignacio Vergara. In the late 18th century, a project led by Antoni Gilabert Fornés aimed to give the cathedral a uniform Neoclassical appearance, which involved masking Gothic elements with stucco.

Architectural Styles and Features

The cathedral's basic Gothic structure is cruciform, featuring transepts and a polygonal apse. The crossing is crowned by an octagonal tower. The influence of various architectural periods is evident throughout the building. The Renaissance era, though having less impact on the architecture, significantly contributed to the cathedral's pictorial and sculptural decoration. The Baroque period introduced elaborate doorways, while the Neoclassical project attempted to homogenize the exterior. Following damage during the Spanish Civil War and subsequent restoration efforts, particularly from 1972 onwards, the focus shifted to recovering the original Gothic aesthetic, with most Neoclassical elements being removed.

Notable Relics and Discoveries

Valencia Cathedral is famously home to a purported Holy Chalice, widely believed by many to be the true Holy Grail. This artifact, potentially dating to the 1st century, was presented to the cathedral by King Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436 and has served as the official chalice for numerous popes. The cathedral also contains chapels filled with relics and houses important 15th-century paintings by artists like Jacomart, Francesco Pagano, and Paolo da San Leocadio. Excavations have unearthed remains of earlier structures, including Roman buildings and streets, beneath the cathedral.

Significance and Status

Valencia Cathedral was declared a historic and artistic landmark by the Spanish government in 1931. Despite damage sustained during the Spanish Civil War, it has undergone extensive restorations and is currently in a good state of preservation. It continues to be an active place of worship and a significant cultural and historical site, recognized by regional authorities as a cultural landmark. Its importance in Iberian sacred music is also notable, having been a center for many distinguished composers.