Parròquia de Sant Nicolau de Bari i Sant Pere Màrtir de València — Attraction in Valencia

A Breathtaking Hidden Gem – The Sistine Chapel of Valencia

The Iglesia de San Nicolás is simply breathtaking, a true masterpiece in the heart of Valencia. Often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of Valencia," this church is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves art, history, or simply beautiful places.

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a mesmerizing display of Baroque frescoes that cover the entire ceiling. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and incredible storytelling in the paintings make you feel as if you’ve been transported into another world. The contrast between the Gothic architecture and the later Baroque decorations creates a unique and stunning atmosphere.

Beyond its artistic beauty, the church has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, blending centuries of cultural and religious heritage. The restoration work has been done exceptionally well, bringing the frescoes back to their full splendor.

Whether you’re religious or not, the Iglesia de San Nicolás is a place that will leave you in awe. A true hidden gem in Valencia that should...

We wanted to see the church having heard of it's marvelous paintings. We got there and there was a queue not that large. There we found out the entrance cost was 15 euros but it included the audioguide and the light projections (for children it is free). We knew nothing about the show but we decided to give it a try. It was breathtaking. The thoughtfulness that went into planing and executing this show was absolutely remarkable. It manages to convey to the visitors the history, the work of the artist that built and decorated it, the symbolism behind it all. It made a very well restored building come to life and even more grand, more beautiful. For us it was one of the best moments we had the luck of experiencing in a city that has a lot to offer (mind you we were together with a 6 year old that was as mesmerised as us). The light show stars hourly from 11:00. I recommend you enter after one has ended, walk through the church with the audio guide and then...

The church was founded in the 13th century, with a layout that includes a single-nave with six chapels between the buttresses and polygonal apse. The church was refurbished in Gothic in the 15th century, and includes a rose window alluding to a miracle of Saint Nicholas. There is an outdoor Chapel closed with a gate which is called the fossar, because there was before the parish cemetery.The other gate, which overlooks the square of San Nicolás, however, is a neo-gothic 19th-century recreation.

The interior of the church was completed between 1690-1693, and was decorated by Juan Pérez Castiel in baroque fashion. It has frescoes, depicting the lives of San Nicola and Peter of Verona, along with virtues and allegories, designed by Antonio Palomino and completed by Dionis Vidal. The chapel altarpieces include works by Juan de Juanes, Fernando Yáñez de la Almedina, Jerónimo Jacinto de Espinosa, and José...