San Vicente Martir

San Vicente Martir

The very beautiful Puente del Real (Royal Bridge) was built in the 16th century and has statues of the two patron saints of Valencia - San Vicente Martir andthe Virgin de los Desamparados.

San Vicente was born in the city of Huesca and he was given the title of Martir (martyr) because he was tortured in the city of Valencia in 303 for not repudiating his faith. This was just before Valencia was Christianized (during pagan Roman times) and San Vicente is responsible for bringing Christianity to Valencia.

Fiesta San Vicente - 22 January
San Vicente is famous for the many miracles he performed and crosses all over the city on this very special day pay homage to this. On the eve of 22 January, the Cathedral reminds the people of Valencia of the coming fiesta of San Vicente and the Solemn Pontifical Mass which takes place at 10.30am

The General Procession begins at 11.30am and covers the route where he received martyrdom. From Plaza de la Reina, Calle San Vicente, Calle Paz and Calle Avellanas.

At 8.00pm there's a mass in the church of Cristo Rey (known to all as La Roqueta) which was built to commemorate the remains of the Saint.

The crypt which served as a prison for San Vicente (Cripta de la Càrcel de San Vicente Màrtir) is at Plaza del Arzobispo.

Admission is free and there's a 25 minute mutimedia show of the history of Valencia and the life and death of San Vicente. To make a reservation either telephone 96 394 1417, or visit the Palacio del Marquès de Campo opposite the crypt.