Dec 16, 2024

San Miguel de los Reyes Valencia

Fascinating monastery

"San Miguel de los Reyes, a Valencian Renaissance monastery, hides rich history: from cryptic burials to Franco-era prison, now a library. Get guided tours!"

This ancient monastery, once a feared prison, now holds a million books and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Valencia's outskirts hide an impressive architectural gem: El Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes. This monastery is one of the finest examples of Valencian Renaissance architecture and boasts an intriguing history.

Germana de Foix, a royal femme fatale, married three times and had one final wish. She wanted to be buried beside her third husband, Fernando de Aragón, in their own convent. Fernando founded the Monastery of San Miguel specifically for her. Construction started in 1548 and took centuries.

A crypt beneath the monastery's church is believed to be the couple's burial site. Strangely, their bodies aren't in the two tombs present there.
Every St. Michael's Day, September 29th, at 10:00 exactly, sunlight pours onto the crypt floor. Legend says that Germana and Fernando are buried beneath it.

In the 19th century, the convent had various new uses: a homeless shelter, a mental hospital, a women's prison, and a public school. From 1939 to 1966, it served as a notorious prison for Franco's political opponents. The facility packed 4000 prisoners into 200 cells, each 2x2 metres.

Today, the monastery is home to the Valencian Library. Walking through the sober, vaulted corridors gives you a sense of where the monks used to live. Take the old stairs for a great patio view. You can visit the building on Saturday and Sunday. The monastery offers free guided tours every weekend at 12:00 and 13:00 without reservation.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Avenida de la Constitución 284

free

Find your way with 106 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Valencia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Valencia

Jardín de Ayora

Charming modernist garden

Jardín de Ayora in València is a lush 19th-century garden with a modernist palace, fountains, ceramic benches, and over 40 tree species.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Maribel

Agudo

Apr 15, 2025

Ubik Café

Cosiest book café

Ubik café regularly organises activities. Expect art exhibitions, live music, wine tastings, a reading club, language exchanges, and creative workshops!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Lisa

Groenhof

Apr 3, 2025

Casa Judía

Art Deco curiosity

Casa Judía's variety of colours and decorations is impressive. The building is a fine example of Valencian Art Deco with neo-Egyptian influences.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Lisa

Groenhof

Apr 3, 2025

Arbres Monumentals

Valencia's green giants

Meet Valencia's oldest and most fascinating inhabitants—its monumental trees. Discover Titan, Skinny Rebel and the Drunk Sticks, each with a story to tell.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Lisa

Groenhof

Apr 3, 2025

Antigua Lechería

Best gelato ever

One of my fondest memories of the city during summer is sitting by their giant-red-plastic cone and cooling down while having a delicious treat.

017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nadia

Perez Rojas

Mar 12, 2025

JP O'Mahony's Irish Bar

Irish pub in Benicalap

Looking for a cozy pub in Benicalap? Check out JP O'Mahony’s! Come with friends to play pool or enjoy from great drinks, watch sports, and have the craic!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Rebekah

Roberts

Mar 11, 2025

Batumi restaurant

A taste of Georgia

Batumi, located in Russafa district, offers authentic Georgian dishes like shashlik, khachapuri and satsivi. Enjoy the atmosphere with a taste of Georgia!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Olga

Samoilova

Mar 10, 2025

Esperanza

Cafe literario

Esperanza Café Literario in Valencia is a cozy Russian haven with books, board games, and authentic cuisine. Ideal for a literary escape in Russafa.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Olga

Samoilova

Feb 17, 2025

Azotea Rooftop

My favorite terrace

Azotea Rooftop in Valencia offers stunning 360° views, sunset vibes, drinks, and serenity — a perfect spot to savor "la dolce vita."

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Olga

Samoilova

Feb 17, 2025

Bombas Gens Centre

Be Tutankhamun

Until March 25, 2025, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at Bombas Gens, Valencia — VR, AI, and projections bring pharaohs and temples vividly to life.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Olga

Samoilova

Feb 14, 2025

Caras del agua

Hidden drainpipe faces

Valencia’s best street art hides in El Carmen’s backstreets. As you wander the streets, the caras del agua will surprise you with their watchful eyes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Lisa

Groenhof

Jan 7, 2025

Valencia's roundabouts

Curious public art

Spotted any weird roundabout in Valencia? Valencia’s roundabouts showcase art from the stunning to the bizarre, blending civic pride with quirky charm.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Lisa

Groenhof

Jan 7, 2025

Heading to Valencia?

106 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Valencia?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

106 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Valencia

Get to know our other Spotters from Valencia

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
53106
Filters