Spanish City Guide – Valencia – History

On 9th July 2006, during Mass at Valencia's Cathedral, Pope Benedict XVI used “The Santo Caliz”, a 1st-century Middle-Eastern artefact believed by many to be the Holy Grail. It was supposedly brought to that Valencian church by Emperor Valerian in the 3rd century, after first being brought from Jerusalem by St. Peter to Rome. The Santo Caliz ("Holy Chalice") is a simple, small stone cup. Its base was added in medieval times and consists of fine gold, alabaster, and gem stones. According to Christian mythology, the Holy Grail was the dish, plate, or cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, said to possess miraculous powers.

The Cathedral of Valencia stands in the same place as the first temple of the original Roman city and later the Arab mosque. Built between 1262 and 1426, it has experienced many expansions and alterations and these have left their mark in the interesting juxtaposition of styles laid over the prevailing primitive Gothic. The “Miguelete” is probably the tower most closely identified with Valencia and is the Gothic bell tower of the Cathedral. It rises to a height of 50.85 metres, the same dimensions as its perimeter. The effort it takes to climb all 207 steps to the top of the tower is more than rewarded by the splendid view of the city that it presents.

Valencia was selected in 2003 to host the historic America's Cup yacht race becoming the first European city to do so. The America’s Cup is the most prestigious regatta and match race in the sport of sailing and the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the Modern Olympics by 45 years. The sport attracts top sailors and yacht designers because of its long history and prestige. The Cup originally named the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup was changed to the America's Cup after the first yacht to win the trophy, the schooner America. The America's Cup matches took place in Valencia in the summer of 2007. On 3 July 2007, Alinghi defeated Team New Zealand, and successfully defended the America's Cup. 22 days later, on 25 July 2007, the leaders of the Alinghi syndicate officially announced that Valencia would be the host city for the 33rd America's Cup, held in June 2009.

Photo by Paul Stevenson