Sara Hoke
Angelica Leti
Alex Pate
Patricia Alonso
Phillip Kalantzis-Cope
Reda Sadki
Reyhaneh Vahidian Sadegh
Hayet Kadi.png "Ian Nelk")
Ian Nelk
Jeremy B Bauer
Nick DunnDesign Principles and Practices’s Updates
While in Valencia for the Eighteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices, we recommend a visit to the Valencia Cathedral?
While in Valencia for the Eighteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices, why not visit the Valencia Cathedral?
The Catedral de València (Catedral del Santo Cáliz) stands out as one of the most unusual cathedrals in Spain owing to its mishmash of architectural styles. Originally this location was the site of an ancient Roman temple and then a Moorish mosque.
At this spot that is steeped in history, the cathedral was constructed beginning in the 13th century. Renovations were made in the 15th century and 17th century.
The exterior combines original Romanesque architectural elements with sculptural details added later in the Middle Ages. Spend some time admiring the façade before entering the cathedral. The splendid Puerta del Palau doorway dates to the Romanesque era, while the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Apostles' Doorway) dates from the 15th century.
The interior has an inspiring ambience with its majestic domed ceiling and a rose window illuminating the space. Dazzling in its Gothic splendor, the somber high-vaulted nave is embellished with Renaissance paintings and elegant Baroque art. The various chapels are adorned with masterpieces of art, including paintings by Goya and a crucifix by Alonso Cano.
A highlight of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Holy Grail (Capilla del Santo Cáliz), with delicate vaulting and star motifs. This chapel illustrates a scene of the 12 apostles in Heaven and the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The most sacred object is a reliquary containing the Holy Chalice, an artifact from the first century CE said to be the goblet that Jesus used to perform the Holy Eucharist.
The Cathedral of Valencia also has a museum, the Museo Catedral de València, which displays a prestigious collection of religious art. A variety of styles from different time periods (Gothic, Renaissance, etc.) are on display. The museum boasts many exceptional artworks including paintings by Mariano Salvador Maella and Francisco de Goya.
In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral and the cathedral museum, you may ascend El Miguelete (the Miguelete Tower) to admire superb views. The 207-step climb to the top of the tower rewards with panoramic vistas of Valencia's cityscape.
