Highlights of Valencia: Cathedral of Valencia (Part 1)

Greetings,

Within Valencia, the Cathedral of Valencia is a very special building for the history of Spanish architecture.  The Valencia Tourism website (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/spain/valencia-cathedral) describes the Cathedral in such a fashion:

"Founded in the 13th century on the site of a mosque, the unusual Valencia Cathedral incorporates a number of architectural styles and artistic treasures - including the Holy Grail! The city of Valencia is located near the east coast of Spain, in a fertile region known for oranges and rice.

Valencia Cathedral was built between 1252 and 1482 on the site of an earlier mosque and perhaps a Roman temple of Diana. It was originally dedicated to the Holy Saviour; El Cid dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin. King Jaime the Conqueror did likewise, leaving in the main chapel the image of the Blessed Virgin which he carried with him (now preserved in the sacristy). 

In 1262, Bishop Andrés de Albalat laid the cornerstone of the Gothic building. It had three naves, which reach only to the choir of the present building. Bishop Vidal de Blanes built the magnificent chapter hall, and Jaime de Aragón added the famous tower ("La Miguelete") in 1418.

Also in the 15th century the dome was added and the naves extended back of the choir, uniting the building to the tower and forming a main entrance. Archbishop Luis Alfonso de los Cameros began the building of the main chapel in 1674, decorated with marbles and bronzes in the ornate style of the period. 

At the beginning of the 18th century, the German Conrad Rudolphus added the opulent Baroque façade of the main entrance. A restoration in the same century rounded the pointed arches, covered the Gothic columns with Corinthian pillars, and redecorated the walls. Tragically, in the war of 1808, a magnificent silver reredos was carried away and melted into coins to meet the expenses of the campaign."

Enjoy the photos below.