San Miguel de los Reyes Valencia
Fascinating monastery
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.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - 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
Casa JudÃa – Art Deco curiosity
Casa JudÃa's variety of colours and decorations is impressive. The building is a fine example of Valencian Art Deco with neo-Egyptian influences.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
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.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
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.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
La Huerta – Valencia's vegetable paradise
Explore Valencia’s Huerta, a lush countryside of farms and canals. Walk, bike, enjoy horchata, or taste paella cooked over orange wood at Casa El Famós!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
La Marina – Valencia's vibrant port
La Marina in Valencia is a mix of historic charm and modern design, with yachts, art, and seaside dining! Look out for stunning views from the terrace!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
JardÃn de Monforte – Secret Garden
In the 19th century, the stunning JardÃn de Monforte was created as a private garden. Today, the garden is open to the public and free to visit.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Cabanyal – Colourful fishing district
Cabanyal is a vibrant seaside district where mosaic-adorned fishermen's houses, lively bars, and raw charm tell tales of its rich, working-class heritage.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Novedades Casino – Graphic treasures
Have you ever seen Spain? At Novedades Casino, you can. Every design there tells a little story, often about Valencia's past.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Casa Carles Recio – Valencia's weirdest house
The most intriguing about Casa Carles Recio is that it is such an odd loner on this ordinary street. A closer look at the facade reveals stunning details!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
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!
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Huertos urbanos de Benimaclet – Urban oasis
Want to explore Valencia's agriculture and taste delicious Paella? Huertos Urbanos de Benimaclet is a vibrant community garden uniting neighbours in the city.
By
Lisa
Groenhof
Valencia Print Work Shop – Print it!
Valencia Print Workshop in Ruzafa offers printmaking classes, handmade art gifts, and a friendly space to explore creative techniques in Spanish or English.
By