Built in 1281 for the Order of Carmelites, along with a 15th century addition of a Gothic cloister, make the Carmen complex one of the most impressive religious buildings in Valencia. Upon seeing this church even those indifferent to religious architecture will have a change of heart.

Cripta Arqueologica de la Carcel de San Vicente Martir is not only a church, but an historical landmark as well. The church contains a chapel in an archaeological excavation. It dates back to the 6th century, but most impressive is the precision of its design and that it has remained so well-preserved many ages after its construction.

Next to the Cathedral, the Basilica is the most popular religious site in Valencia. Thousands visit its halls every year. It was built in 1652, and is dedicated to admiring the image of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is located in the Plaza de la Virgen. The designer was Diego Martinez Ponce.

The style of the building is Baroque, as one might note from the side chapel attached to the main complex. In fact, this is one of the first examples of such architecture in Spain. It can be accessed from a staircase located on the side of the main building.

Interestingly, this is one of the only churches in town that has not been erected over the site of various other churches, mosques and chapels. The floors have an elliptical shape, which also makes for a quite beautiful building. If you look closely, you will also notice the dome is not centered. It is slightly forward of center, towards the Cathedral.

There are many beautiful pieces of art work here, as well as sculptures. The frescos are among the best in Spain. One statue of note is the statue of the Geperudeta, or the little Hunchback. Designed in gothic styling, it depicts a local virgin who was known for her work with the poor and destitute. The face of the statue is Byzantine, and is adorned beautifully with jewelry from the faithful.

The building is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and then again from 4:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The Cathedral of Valencia is the largest of the Roman Catholic churches in town and the seat of many a resident bishop through the years. It is also known by the nickname of “the Seu.” It was built in 1238, so it is also one of Valencia's oldest houses of worship. The funding and impetus to create the church came from James I. A Moorish mosque was torn down to make room for the building. Intriguingly enough, the Moors did precisely the same thing to the church built here by the Visigoths, after the fall of Rome.

As a result of all the changes and building that has gone on in this place for years, the church has elements of almost every major architectural style typically used for houses of worship. The main facility is Gothic architecture, although you can find elements of many other styles, all the way to neo classical times.

The Cathedral's big draw is the holy chalices that are stored here. One of them is believed to be the Holy Grail of legend and lore. There is some compelling evidence to support the claim also. The grail was given as a gift to the church in 1436 by King Alfons. The church has also been a Spanish historic landmark since 1972.

The building is open from 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. most days of the week. Monday through Saturday, there are guided tours at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Sundays, you can get a tour at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

This house of worship is one of the oldest to be found anywhere in Valencia. It was built in the year 1261 A.D., located in the old quarter of the town, between Plaza San Vicente Ferrer and Plaza de Napoles y Sicilia. You can reach the church by way of La Paz Street. This religious institution is dedicated to John the Baptist.

The land for the building was donated by King Jaime I. It was given after the reclaim of Valencia and Malta from the Moors. The structure also had a hospital, convent and church cemetery.

The original church - done in a Gothic style of architecture - is almost completely gone now. In more modern times, the church is mainly Baroque, having a pointed vault. Make sure you visit the exquisite Chapel of Santa Barbara which is located here. The church is open every day of the week. Mass is held Monday through Friday at 7:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, you can attend at 10:00 a.m., noon, and 7:00 p.m., with the noon service being performed in English. On Sunday, mass is held at noon, 1:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

This is actually one of Valencia's newer Roman Catholic churches. It was first organized and constructed in the year 1725. Most of the other churches in the city are several hundred years older. Nevertheless, there is some fine architecture here, as this building was modeled after the “Il Gesu” church in Rome. In 1982, the building was added to the National Historic and Artistic Monument list, in order to be preserved for future posterity.

In its day, the design of this structure was quite controversial, in that it broke with the conventional “cross shape” design for church buildings. Instead, it has a main nave with three parts. In addition, it also has several side chapels.

The church is also known as “the Congregation.” Perhaps, this is easier than pronouncing the name each time. The church is open seven days a week for visits. Mass is conducted Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, the main masses are at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and noon. An afternoon and evening mass is held at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm respectively.

The Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina is located in a very architecturally beautiful part of Valencia, which is known as La Paz Street. Located very close to Plaza de la Reina, it is a rather stunning church that is beautiful both inside and out. Standing outside of the building, you will note the Baroque bell towers. These were not added to the church until 400 years after the construction of its original part was complete, so the style is quite different than the primarily Gothic style of the main building.

This house of worship was built in the 14th Century, and the twin bell towers of St. Catherine were added in the 18th Century. In fact, the view from the Plaza is one of the best, if you want a good picture of the bell tower. The towers, according to local legend, are called “husband and wife.”

The inside of the church is very ornate, and shows some of the best religious art in the city. Much of the church construction was due to King Jaime I. With his approval, many similar churches were built across the city, to prove to the world that the Christian church could dominate the Muslim Moors. At the time the bell towers were added, the old Gothic church had also been renovated with Baroque elements.

This is one of the oldest religious institutions in the city. The church is also known by the name of St. John of the Market. It was built during the 1200s, and was originally built in gothic style architecture. The church was constructed on top of an old mosque, as was often the custom of Europe during that period of time.

A massive fire damaged this church in 1552. It required that the entire inside of the church be reconstructed. So, you will note the changes in architecture on the inside. The dome crown is quite beautiful, and is the focal point of the building. You will also be able to see some striking frescos painted here. Sadly, fire would engulf the church two more times after this. The last such problem occurred in 1936.

The building is located in the Plaza del Mercado. The church is open each day of the week. There are masses from Monday through Saturday at 5:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the main worship times happen every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., then again at 6:30 p.m.