Church of San Nicolás

Nestled in the heart of Valencia's historic center, the Church of San Nicolás, also known by its full name Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir, stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and artistic splendor. This magnificent church, often referred to as the Valencian Sistine Chapel, offers visitors an enchanting journey through time, blending Gothic structure with Baroque opulence in a harmonious display of religious art and history.

The Origins and Gothic Architecture

The origins of the Church of San Nicolás trace back to the Roman era, with its location along Calle Caballeros, the ancient decumanus of Valentia Edetanorum. Over the centuries, this site has seen various transformations, from a Roman temple to a Visigothic church, and later a mosque during the Muslim rule in the 8th century. It wasn't until the conquest of Valencia by King James I of Aragon in 1238 that the mosque was consecrated as a Christian parish dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari. The church was initially managed by the Dominican Order, who later added an altar dedicated to Saint Peter Martyr, making both saints the co-patrons of the church.

In the 15th century, during Valencia's Golden Age, the church underwent significant reconstruction and expansion, acquiring its current Gothic structure. Under the rectorate of Alfonso de Borja, who later became Pope Callixtus III, the church was transformed into a single-nave Gothic edifice with a polygonal apse and six rib-vaulted sections. Each section houses chapels nestled between the buttresses of the pointed arches. The exterior features a Gothic portal with archivolts and a neogothic rose window inspired by the Star of David, adding to the church's medieval charm.

Baroque Transformation

The late 17th century brought a wave of Baroque transformation to the Church of San Nicolás, driven by the Counter-Reformation's desire to modernize Gothic structures. Between 1690 and 1693, architect Juan Bautista Pérez Castiel adorned the interior with elaborate stuccoes, reliefs, and sculptures, including putti (cherubs) crafted from plaster. He also added semicircular arches over the chapels, concealing the original Gothic pointed arches.

The church's most striking feature is its frescoes, designed by the renowned painter Antonio Palomino and executed by his Valencian disciple Dionís Vidal between 1697 and 1700. These frescoes cover the vaults and lunettes, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr, accompanied by angels, saints, martyrs, and allegorical figures representing Christian virtues. The frescoes' intricate adaptation to the Gothic ribbed vaults creates a mesmerizing visual narrative that captivates visitors.

Neogothic and Modern Restorations

In the 19th century, architect Timoteo Calvo introduced neogothic elements to the church, including a new façade facing the pedestrianized Plaza de San Nicolás. This renovation also saw the addition of neogothic stained glass windows and the expansion of the original Gothic rose window. Despite these changes, the church retained its Baroque interior, preserving the artistic legacy of Palomino and Vidal.

The most recent restoration, completed in 2016, was spearheaded by the Hortensia Herrero Foundation and led by architect Carlos Campos and the Institute of Heritage Restoration of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. This extensive restoration, costing 4.7 million euros, revitalized the church's frescoes, stuccoes, and structural elements, earning it the nickname Valencian Sistine Chapel. The restoration team included Gianluigi Colalucci, renowned for his work on the original Sistine Chapel, who praised the church's artistic significance.

Artistic Treasures

The Church of San Nicolás houses an impressive collection of artworks by prominent artists such as Rodrigo de Osona, Vicente Macip, Juan de Juanes, and Jacinto de Espinosa. Sculptures by Ignacio Vergara, Francisco Salzillo, and other notable sculptors further enrich the church's artistic heritage. The chapels and chapter house display these masterpieces, offering visitors a glimpse into Valencia's rich artistic tradition.

Visiting the Church of San Nicolás

Today, the Church of San Nicolás functions both as a place of worship and a museum, welcoming visitors to explore its historical and artistic treasures. The church's dual role allows for regular religious services alongside guided tours, providing an immersive experience for those interested in its history and art. The church's popularity as a tourist destination continues to grow, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural beauty and artistic splendor.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the Church of San Nicolás offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Its blend of Gothic and Baroque elements, coupled with its rich historical narrative, makes it a must-visit destination in Valencia. Step inside this architectural gem and let the frescoes, sculptures, and centuries-old stories transport you to a bygone era of religious devotion and artistic brilliance.