Convento de San Francisco, Franciscan friary near Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia, Spain.
Convento de San Francisco was a Franciscan friary in Valencia featuring two large Gothic cloisters, one decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The buildings stood out for their elaborate architecture and artistic decorations.
Founded in 1238 by King James I of Aragon, the friary originally stood outside the city walls near Valencia's Boatella Gate. The complex lasted for over 650 years until its complete demolition in 1891 to make way for today's town square.
Throughout centuries, the monastery housed the remains of noblemen and dignitaries, including King Abu Zeyt and several Renaissance artworks.
Visitors should know the site exists today as Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as the original buildings no longer stand. To understand the place's history, one can visit the central square and imagine where the complex once occupied space.
According to legend, two Franciscan monks from Teruel reportedly prophesied to Muslim ruler Abu Zeyt the imminent fall of his kingdom. This story connects the friary walls to Valencia's turbulent religious and political past.
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