Cripta Arqueologica (Archaeological Crypt of San Vicente Prison), Valencia
In the heart of Valencia鈥檚 old town lies an archaeological site that quietly tells the story of a city built layer by layer over centuries. Just a short walk from the Cathedral and tucked beneath a modern building, the site brings together traces of Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, and medieval Christian presence鈥攁ll within a single underground space.
Its story begins in the 6th century, when it was built as a Visigothic funerary chapel. The space features a barrel-vaulted nave, delicately carved limestone screens, and arched niches once used to hold sarcophagi. At the centre is a burial chamber, visible beneath glass, where the remains of a mature male were reburied鈥攍ikely transferred from another location.
Later, during Islamic rule, the site took on a new function as palatial baths. Excavations uncovered 10th-century ceramics, bronze vessels, and a gold dinar. After the Christian Reconquest, King James I ordered a chapel to be built above the crypt, marking the traditional spot where Saint Vincent the Martyr was said to have been imprisoned and tortured in the 4th century.
Visitors today can experience the crypt through a 20-minute immersive presentation projected directly onto the ancient stonework. The audiovisual journey traces the site's transformation across the centuries and is available in several languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German.
A curated display of artifacts enhances the visit鈥攆eaturing a Roman mural, fragments from a Visigothic altar, objects from the Islamic period, and a sculpture of Saint Vincent. Despite being located in a busy part of the city, the crypt offers a quiet, reflective space鈥攊deal for those who appreciate quiet moments of history.
Its story begins in the 6th century, when it was built as a Visigothic funerary chapel. The space features a barrel-vaulted nave, delicately carved limestone screens, and arched niches once used to hold sarcophagi. At the centre is a burial chamber, visible beneath glass, where the remains of a mature male were reburied鈥攍ikely transferred from another location.
Later, during Islamic rule, the site took on a new function as palatial baths. Excavations uncovered 10th-century ceramics, bronze vessels, and a gold dinar. After the Christian Reconquest, King James I ordered a chapel to be built above the crypt, marking the traditional spot where Saint Vincent the Martyr was said to have been imprisoned and tortured in the 4th century.
Visitors today can experience the crypt through a 20-minute immersive presentation projected directly onto the ancient stonework. The audiovisual journey traces the site's transformation across the centuries and is available in several languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German.
A curated display of artifacts enhances the visit鈥攆eaturing a Roman mural, fragments from a Visigothic altar, objects from the Islamic period, and a sculpture of Saint Vincent. Despite being located in a busy part of the city, the crypt offers a quiet, reflective space鈥攊deal for those who appreciate quiet moments of history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Valencia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cripta Arqueologica (Archaeological Crypt of San Vicente Prison) on Map
Sight Name: Cripta Arqueologica (Archaeological Crypt of San Vicente Prison)
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Valencia, Spain (See walking tours in Valencia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Valencia, Spain
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Valencia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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