Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis

Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes is a Renaissance-era monastery in Valencia, Spain, now home to the Biblioteca Valenciana, the region's central library. Standing near the former bed of the Turia river on the edge of the historic city center, it ranks among the most significant Renaissance buildings in the Valencia region.

Where did the monastery come from?

The building was commissioned in 1545 by Ferdinand of Aragon, Duke of Calabria, who intended it as a family pantheon for the Hieronymite order. It rose on the grounds of an older Cistercian monastery known as Sant Bernat de Rascanya. Construction began in 1546 with the southern cloister, following designs by Juan de Vidaña and Alonso de Covarrubias, architects working in the Spanish Renaissance tradition. The duke's death in 1550 slowed the project considerably, and work dragged on until 1607 before the complex was finished.

What will you see on site?

The highlight is a pair of monastic cloisters, widely regarded as among the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Valencia — the arcade proportions, stonework, and spatial layout impress visitors regardless of their interest in architectural history. The building's later history was turbulent: it fell into ruin during the 19th century and subsequently served as a shelter, a psychiatric hospital, a school, and, under the Franco regime, a prison. Traces of these different periods are still visible throughout the complex.

Since 1999 the monastery has housed the Biblioteca Valenciana, the central library of the Valencian Community, tasked with preserving and promoting the region's bibliographic heritage. The building underwent restoration for this purpose between 1995 and 1999, and the library formally moved in as its permanent seat in 2000. Visitors can therefore combine a look at a historic monument with a visit to a working cultural institution, including reading rooms, temporary exhibitions, and collections tied to regional history.

How do you get there?

The monastery sits northeast of Valencia's historic center, close to the old Turia riverbed, now converted into a long urban park. The easiest way to reach it is by tram or city bus, with stops right beside the building. The surrounding area is quiet and well connected to the center and to other attractions strung along the Turia park.

When should you visit?

As a working library, the site operates during standard public-institution hours on weekdays. A morning or early-afternoon visit is worthwhile, when light falls best on the cloisters and the building sees less of the daily traffic tied to library operations. The location pairs naturally with a walk through the Turia park or a visit to Valencia's other Renaissance and Baroque landmarks nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes? Yes, the building functions as an active public library, so the cloisters and exhibition areas are accessible during its opening hours.

Who founded the monastery? Ferdinand of Aragon, Duke of Calabria, in 1545, intending it for the Hieronymite order and as his family's pantheon.

Why did construction take so long? The founder's death in 1550 halted the project, which only resumed and continued through to 1607, explaining the more than six-decade building period.

What does the building house today? Since 1999 it has been home to the Biblioteca Valenciana, the region's central library responsible for Valencian bibliographic heritage.