|
|
 |
|
|
The Valencia Cathedral on your Costa Blanca Holidays by Porsche Klinger
|
|
|
The Valencia Cathedral on your Costa Blanca Holidays |
|
|
|
|
|
Travel & Tourism,Art and Culture,Recreation & Leisure
|
|
|
If you’re interested in exploring religious monuments of great importance while on your COSTA BLANCA HOLIDAYS, then schedule a visit to the Valencia Cathedral. The city of Valencia is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the Costa Blanca region of south eastern Spain. Like a lot of Christian buildings the Valencia Cathedral was built on top of a mosque. Founded in the 13th century it took 230 years to complete this excellent structure which incorporates a number of different architectural styles; this is understandable due to the construction period required to complete the cathedral. This cathedral is also home to a number of artistic treasures including what is believed to be the Holy Grail, the chalice used by Jesus Christ. The cathedral was built on top of a mosque but there appears to be evidence of an even earlier structure. Some historians believe that a Roman temple dedicated to Diana was originally located on the site. The cathedral was completed in 1482 and dedicated to the Holy Saviour but El Cid rededicated it to the Blessed Virgin as did King Jaime the Conqueror. King Jaime carried an image of the Blessed Virgin with him which is believed to be the one preserved in the sacristy. The original Moorish mosque was converted into a Christian church by the conqueror but was deemed unworthy of such a title as the Valencia Cathedral; as a result in 1262 the cornerstone was laid for the new Gothic cathedral. It consisted of three naves which extended to the present choir of today. Later additions were attributed to different Bishops such as the chapter hall by Bishop Vidal de Blanes and the Miguelete Tower by Jaime de Aragon. The tower, standing some 166 feet high, was so named as it was blessed on St Michael’s day in 1418. A lot of changes took place during the 15th century starting with formation of the main entrance. This took place when the dome was added and the naves were extended to the choir; this brought the tower and building together hence the main entrance was created. The architectural style was to change once again when the main chapel was built in 1674. This change was more apparent in the interior which they adorned in marbles and bronzes of the period. Lastly while on your COSTA BLANCA HOLIDAYS take note: changes were once again a foot when in the 18th century a luxurious Baroque facade was added to the main entrance by the German Conrad Rudolphus. During this same period they attempted to bring the different styles of architecture together by covering the Gothic columns with Corinthian pillars, rounding some of the arches and changing the decoration on the walls. At one time there was a silver screen on the wall at the back of the altar prior to the war of 1808 but it was absconded with and later melted down and made into coins to pay cost attributed to the war. Although today there is an opulent 2,300 kilogramme monstrance you can view in the cathedral’s museum. It is made from gold, silver and encrusted with jewels donated by the Valencians themselves. It can also be seen on high holy days and at festival time when it is paraded through streets.
Related Articles -
costa blanca holidays, villas in alicante, spain holiday rentals, self catering costa blanca, holiday rentals in spain, holiday rentals,
|
Rate This Article  |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you Agree or Disagree? Have a Comment? POST IT!
| Reader Opinions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author Login |
|
|
 |
Advertiser Login
ADVERTISE HERE NOW!
Limited Time $60 Offer!
90 Days-1.5 Million Views
|
|
STEPHEN BYE
Steve Bye is currently a fiction writer, who published his first novel, ‘Looking Forward Through the...more
|
|
|
|
|
TIM FAY
After 60-plus years of living, I am just trying to pass down some of the information that I have lea...more
|
|
|
|
|
GENE MYERS
Author of four books and two screenplays; frequent magazine contributor. I have four other books "in...more
|
|
|
|
|
LAURA JEEVES
At LeadGenerators, we specialise in content-led Online Marketing Strategies for our clients in the t...more
|
|
|
|
|
ALEX BELSEY
I am the editor of QUAY Magazine, a B2B publication based in the South West of the UK. I am also the...more
|
|
|
|
|
SUSAN FRIESEN
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, ...more
|
|
|
|
|
SHALINI MITTAL
A postgraduate in Fashion Technology. Shalini is a writer at heart! Writing for her is an expression...more
|
|
|
|
|
ADRIAN JOELE
I have been involved in nutrition and weight management for over 12 years and I like to share my kn...more
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES KENNY
James is a Research Enthusiast that focuses on the understanding of how things work and can be impro...more
|
|
|
|
