11/11/2025
5 things you probably didn’t know about Valencia
(and if you’re from there, maybe you don’t either)
Do you want to discover some fun facts about Valencia that you probably didn’t know? The city of Turia is full of history, art, and plenty of curiosities that surprise even those who have lived there their entire life.
Did you know that there’s a church in the city with frescoes that rival those of the Sistine Chapel? Or that there are rumors the city hides the true Holy Grail? Valencia holds secrets that few know about, and if you think you know it all, keep reading this BYPILLOW article… you might be in for more than one surprise!
Valencia has its own "Sistine Chapel"
When you think of a vaulted ceiling decorated with stunning frescoes, the first thing that comes to mind is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. However, Valencia has its own version, and it’s in the Church of San Nicolás.
Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, this church is a visual spectacle. Its ceilings are entirely covered with frescoes that depict the lives of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr, created in the 17th century by painter Dionís Vidal under the direction of Antonio Palomino.
For many years, the beauty of this church remained hidden beneath layers of dirt and soot. However, a thorough restoration revealed its original splendor, uncovering a set of paintings that have been compared to the Sistine Chapel.
So, now you know: if you come to the city, the first thing is to book one of our hotels in Valencia, and the second is to visit this gem that, despite its breathtaking beauty, remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
The Holy Grail might be in Valencia's Cathedral
One of Christianity’s greatest mysteries revolves around the Holy Grail, the legendary chalice that, according to tradition, Jesus used during the Last Supper. What few know is that many believe the authentic Holy Grail is in Valencia.
The Valencia Cathedral houses a chalice that the Vatican has recognized as one of the relics most likely to be authentic. This cup, made of agate and adorned with gold and precious stones, dates back to the 1st century BC and has an Eastern origin, which matches the historical descriptions of the Holy Grail.
Over the centuries, the chalice passed through various monasteries and kings before arriving in Valencia in the 15th century. Since then, it has been venerated and studied. Several Popes have even celebrated mass with it, reinforcing its significance within the Catholic Church.
So, if you’ve ever wondered where the true Holy Grail might be, the answer could be in Valencia… and it might be closer than you think!
The mascletà has its own secret language
Anyone who has witnessed a mascletà in Valencia knows that it’s not just random fireworks exploding. This spectacle, typical of the Fallas festival, is one of the most powerful expressions of Valencian pyrotechnic art… and it hides a secret language that only the most knowledgeable can decode.
During the mascletà, hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of explosions follow one another, perfectly choreographed in intensity, rhythm, and duration. Far from being meaningless noise, the pyrotechnicians create true acoustic compositions, as if it were an explosive symphony. The “masters of fire” play with silences, crescendos, and climactic finales to move the audience.
In fact, the most devoted Valencians to this tradition can “read” and interpret these sequences: they know when a mascletà is more complex, if it has been technically flawless, or if it surprised with a new twist in its structure. Each mascletà has its personal signature, and the most dedicated audience appreciates it like one evaluates a great musical piece.
So, the next time you feel your chest rumble during a mascletà, remember that you’re experiencing a sonic language full of hidden codes. An art that is heard, felt… and also interpreted!
Valencia has a leaning tower
If you thought only Pisa had a leaning tower, you’ll be surprised to know that Valencia has one too. It’s the Tower of Santa Catalina, a Baroque bell tower that, although it doesn’t have the fame of the Italian tower, also has a notable tilt, making it one of the city’s most striking architectural curiosities.
Located in the heart of the historic center, near Plaza Redonda and the Lonja de la Seda, this tower was built in the 17th century on top of an older Gothic church. Over the years, its structure has experienced slight movements, causing it to lean.
Although its tilt isn’t as extreme as Pisa’s, it’s noticeable enough that many Valencians and tourists stop to observe it with curiosity. In recent years, conservation work has been carried out to prevent the tilt from posing a risk to the structure.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the old town of Valencia, don’t forget to look up and check out the Tower of Santa Catalina. It may not be as famous as the Italian one… but it’s part of the city’s hidden charm!
There’s a street named after Game of Thrones
It may sound unbelievable, but in Valencia, there’s a street that seems straight out of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s called Calle Juego de Tronos (Game of Thrones Street), a name that always excites fans of the famous HBO series.
This peculiar name isn’t official or recognized on urban maps but was an initiative from a group of neighbors or series fans who, with a sense of humor, decided to rename a nameless street with an improvised sign.
Although there are no official records of a “Queen Daenerys Street” or other names inspired by the saga in Valencia’s street directory, this street has become one of the most visited and photographed spots by all the Game of Thrones fans who visit the city.
Could Valencia one day officially have a street dedicated to Game of Thrones? Who knows, but for now, fans continue to search for references around the city while waiting for dragons to fly through the sky…
If we’ve convinced you that Valencia is the perfect place for your next getaway, book your hotel with us! At BYPILLOW, you’ll find hotels in the heart of Valencia that offer everything you need for a comfortable, central, and modern vacation.
Visit BYPILLOW Sinfonía and discover everything a boutique hotel in Valencia has to offer. You’ll fall in love with the city of Turia!