The Grail Route, an itinerary of culture, landscape and nature
Beyond the spiritual sense that the Grail route may imply, the path that this relic took is also a very attractive route to discover the heritage, the landscape and the nature of the journey that the most venerated cup in the world took.
Although the route could start from San Juan de la Peña, in Huesca, we are going to focus on 10 of the Valencian villages through which the route passes. It can be done comfortably on foot in 17 stages of 12 kilometres each, crossing two natural parks, going through Roman and medieval vestiges, participating in festivals full of tradition and enjoying a local gastronomy of kilometre zero.
And so, the Grail Route in the Valencian Community passes through Barracas, Jérica, Segorbe, Torres-Torres, Gilet, Sagunto, El Puig, Massamagrell, Alboraya and València. The beginning and end of the route are marked by two sculptures by the artist Antonio Peris Carbonell made of Corten steel.
The route allows you to experience the "Entrada de Toros y Caballos" (Entrance of Bulls and Horses) of Segorbe, a festival that dates back to the 14th century and has been declared of International Tourist Interest. Also enjoy the experience of sleeping in the monastery of Santo Espíritu de Gilet, founded in 1403, in the heart of the Sierra Calderona. You can feel the greatness of Roman civilization in the Sagunto Theatre, built in 50 AD, and in its imposing castle-fortress, declared a National Monument in 1931. Or travel back to medieval times by visiting the Monastery of Santa María del Puig or the Ara Christi Charterhouse.
Don't forget to visit the church of Massamagrell, known as the "Cathedral of l'Horta Nord", and the Capuchin Convent, from the 15th century, which houses a library with numerous incunabula.
Activate your body and mind by walking the paths of the two nature parks you will find on the Route: the Sierra Calderona and the Sierra de Espadán. Get your strength back with the varied gastronomy of these two mountain ranges and stop by the Cooperativa de Viver to taste or take home one of the best extra virgin olive oils in Spain.
There are an infinite number of monuments, guided tours and places on this route. Discover them all here.
