Convent of Santo Domingo, Gothic convent in Ciutat Vella, Valencia, Spain
The Convent of Santo Domingo is a Dominican monastery in Valencia's old city featuring a Gothic cloister with five distinct arches and a Renaissance portal at its entrance. Inside, several chapels from different periods reveal how the structure was modified and expanded over the centuries.
King James I of Aragon granted the land in 1239 for Dominican friars to build their monastery, and it was substantially restructured just over a decade later in 1250. A special chapel with a hexagonal floor plan was completed in the 15th century, showing how the site continued to develop and change.
The Chapter Hall displays columns shaped like palm fronds supporting a ribbed vault, showing how medieval craftsmen in Valencia applied their skill to every detail. This design choice reflects how builders wanted visitors to feel surrounded by nature even inside stone walls.
The building currently serves as Spanish Army headquarters and accepts visits only in organized groups at set times. You should contact in advance to arrange a visit and learn which sections are open to the public.
The priory maintains a collection of religious artworks and objects that are rarely fully displayed during regular visits. Visitors who specifically ask about these holdings often gain unexpected access to lesser-known aspects of the site.
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