Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari (Church of St. Nicholas of Bari), Valencia (must see)
Often referred to as Valencia鈥檚 own 鈥淪istine Chapel,鈥� this church may seem unassuming from the outside with its Gothic fa莽ade鈥攂ut step inside, and you're instantly surrounded by a breathtaking world of Baroque splendor. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricate frescoes, rich in color and detail, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a grand canvas than a place of worship.
Founded in the mid-13th century after the Christian reconquest of the city, the church was built on the site of a former mosque and dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari by the Dominicans. Later on, Saint Peter Martyr was added as co-patron, further deepening its symbolic importance.
Between 1690 and 1700, the interior was completely transformed. Nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes were painted across the vaults and upper walls鈥攕cenes from the lives of both saints woven together with allegories of Christian virtues. The result is a powerful visual narrative that draws the eye and holds your attention from every angle.
Architecturally, the interior design features a single nave lined with six side chapels, each containing remarkable works of art by noted Spanish painters. A major restoration effort, completed in 2016, brought the frescoes back to life: layers of grime were carefully removed, revealing the original vibrancy and fine detail. Visitors today can admire the seamless blend of Gothic structure and Baroque artistry鈥攁 rare pairing that gives the church its unique identity.
Founded in the mid-13th century after the Christian reconquest of the city, the church was built on the site of a former mosque and dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari by the Dominicans. Later on, Saint Peter Martyr was added as co-patron, further deepening its symbolic importance.
Between 1690 and 1700, the interior was completely transformed. Nearly 2,000 square meters of frescoes were painted across the vaults and upper walls鈥攕cenes from the lives of both saints woven together with allegories of Christian virtues. The result is a powerful visual narrative that draws the eye and holds your attention from every angle.
Architecturally, the interior design features a single nave lined with six side chapels, each containing remarkable works of art by noted Spanish painters. A major restoration effort, completed in 2016, brought the frescoes back to life: layers of grime were carefully removed, revealing the original vibrancy and fine detail. Visitors today can admire the seamless blend of Gothic structure and Baroque artistry鈥攁 rare pairing that gives the church its unique identity.
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Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari (Church of St. Nicholas of Bari) on Map
Sight Name: Iglesia de San Nicolas de Bari (Church of St. Nicholas of Bari)
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
Create Your Own Walk in Valencia
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.
Valencia's Classical Architecture Tour
In Valencia, the architecture tells you right away鈥攖his city has layers. It's not just a coastal getaway with sunshine and beaches. Beneath the bright skies, 鈥淪pain鈥檚 Third Capital鈥� reveals a blend of styles both rich and unexpected鈥攁t once bold in contrast and delicate in detail. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Old Town, where nearly every corner seems to offer a visual... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Valencia鈥檚 Old Town stands apart from many in Europe for how effortlessly its many layers of history coexist. Beneath modern squares, ancient Roman streets and forum remains lie quietly preserved. The maze-like layout鈥攕haped during the city鈥檚 Islamic period鈥攚as never swept away after the Christian Reconquest. Instead, it survived and evolved, now lined with Gothic churches and Baroque... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Contemporary Architecture Walk
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In the course of nearly two... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
In the course of nearly two... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Valencia Introduction Walking Tour
Valencia, Spain鈥檚 third-largest city, carries a rich history that stretches back to 138 BC, when it was founded as a Roman colony for battle-tested veterans. Known then as 鈥淰alentia鈥�, meaning 鈥渧alor,鈥� it honored the courage of its first inhabitants. The city was destroyed in 75 BC by Pompey the Great but was rebuilt within a century, eventually becoming home to Visigoths and later the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles