Discover the Valencian Sistine Chapel, the Silk Museum, and Santos Juanes Church with guided tours from Menta , a project to see more of Valencia's History and Cultural Heritage.
Whether you are a local looking to learn more about your city or a visitor who wants to know what to do in Valencia, Menta Valencia is here to help you out with whatever you’re looking for!
Menta (Mint, in English) is a project that sets out to guide anyone around Valencia. Their objective is spreading this city’s culture and cultural heritage. So, in order to help people better know Valencia’s history and art, they have a team of expert guides who give tours and know anything there is to know about this Spanish city.
With Menta there are two options: Either go on a tour with a human guide (max. 30 people) or do your own thing with an audio tour, available in 5 languages (English, Spanish, Valencian, French, and Italian.)
The general fee costs 7 € , and includes an audio tour with access to two of three monuments: you choose between the “Valencian Sistine Chapel” (otherwise known as the Church of Saint Nicholas), the Silk Museum, and Santos Juanes Church. This general fee is also available at a reduced price of 6 € if you are a student, retired, a large family, unemployed, disabled, or have a Valencia Tourist Card.
If you don’t want to have to choose between any of these 3 stops, the Valencia Essentials tour is 10 € (9€ at the reduced price) and allows you to visit all 3 with a 2.5 hour tour.
Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr
Calle Caballeros, 35
This is one of the most emblematic buildings in Valencia, and even more since its restoration in 2016. This church was designed in a gothic architectural style with baroque decoration, and has almost 2000 square meters of al fresco paintings- that’s why it’s known as the Valencian Sistine Chapel.
During your guided visit, you’ll learn about the secrets of the restoration of this church, the building’s history, and the architectural forces needed to construct it. You’ll find out how it evolved first from a Roman cemetery into the majestic construction we see before us today. You’ll hear about the details of the art that resides in this place: the optical illusions of the vault, the rose window, the most meaningful screen paintings, Saint Vincent Ferrer’s chapel, and the Communion Chapel.
Not to mention, you will find a painting of the life of “The Life of the Two Saints” on the Vault of the lunette. If you want to know why Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter form such a big part of this church, you’ll have to come visit for yourself!
SCHEDULE
Tuesday – Friday from 10:30 to 19:30.
Saturdays from 10:30 to 18:30.
Sundays from 13:00 a 20:00.
On Mondays there are no touristic visits.
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 to 21:00.
Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:30.
Sundays from 11:15 to 21:00 horas.
Silk Museum
Calle Hospital, 7
The Silk Museum offers a modern look at the silk exhibits. You’ll see how this special product came to Valencia, traveling from East to West, and how it evolved once inside of the city. The influences of French fashion sense, the differences between old Valencian fashion vs current style, and the history of the building which was a College of Silk Arts and in 1981 was declared a historic-artistic national monument.
Whether your visit is with a live guide or an audio tour, you’ll find out how at the end of the 15th century a group of artisans created the “Gremi de Velluters” to guarantee quality silk during fabrication. You’ll learn how a loom from the 18th century works; they even have two demonstrations with the loom each day where you can watch the process live right in front of you!
Lastly, you’ll enjoy the architecture of this ancient building as you wander the chapel, the archives, and the exterior patio.
SCHEDULE
Mondays from 10:00 to 15:00.
Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.
Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00.
Santos Juanes Church
Plaza del Mercado, 1
Santos Juanes Church was one of the foundational parishes established in the city from the Christian conquest of the 18th century, and is truly a testament to the history of Valencia thanks to its location.
The elaborate redecoration of the building, damaged in Baroque times, has evolved the church into what we know today. With its renovated doors, marvelous stone altarpiece above the terrace, and decorated interior with marvelous fresco paintings by Vergara in the Communion Chapel. Discover the secrets of this important historic Valencian church.
SCHEDULE
Monday-Saturday from 10:00 to 19:30.
Sunday from 13:00 to 19:30.
If you would like more information, Menta Valencia’s information is as follows:
Phone Number: +34 963 584 982
Email: [email protected]
Location: inside of the Tapineria Market.