Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro

The Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro, in Valencia

The Church of San Nicolás is one of the most fascinating jewels of Valencia, nicknamed the Valencian Sistine Chapel. The Valencia audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary whose vault is entirely covered with sumptuous baroque frescoes.

The Valencian Sistine Chapel

You would not guess it from the outside, but the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro is one of the most fascinating jewels of the Valencian Community. And if there is one thing for which Valencia is known, it is the hidden splendour of its religious buildings. Of medieval, Gothic origin, this church was entirely redecorated in the seventeenth century in a sumptuous baroque style. Its treasure is its vault: the totality of the nave is covered with immense frescoes of an extraordinary richness, which retrace the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter in an explosion of colours and painted scenes. This pictorial profusion, which covers every centimetre of the ceiling, earns it the nickname of Valencian Sistine Chapel, in reference to the masterpiece of Michelangelo in Rome. Restored with care, the church today reveals all the splendour of this baroque ensemble, among the most impressive of Spain. A sanctuary and a jewel of art, the Church of San Nicolás is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the most fascinating religious jewels of Valencia, of medieval Gothic origin, entirely redecorated in the seventeenth century in sumptuous baroque, whose vault of the nave is covered with immense frescoes retracing the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter, which earns it the nickname of Valencian Sistine Chapel. The Church of San Nicolás is a jewel of art of Valencia. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of San Nicolás lies in the heart of the old town of Valencia, reachable on foot. A place of worship and a jewel of art, it can be visited with respect for services; access and hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Church of San Nicolás of Valencia nicknamed the Valencian Sistine Chapel?

Because the totality of the vault of its nave is covered with immense baroque frescoes of an extraordinary richness, retracing the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter, that cover every centimetre of the ceiling, in reference to the masterpiece of Michelangelo in Rome; this Gothic church was redecorated in the seventeenth century.

Where is the Church of San Nicolás of Valencia?

In the heart of the old town of Valencia, in Spain.