OLD CONVENT OF SANTO DOMINGO
Arturo Zaragozá Catalán
From the 13th to 18th century, Valencia’s old Preacher’s Convent was the city’s principal convent. From the time of the dissentailment of ownership over one hundred and fifty years ago, it was destined to become a military headquarters. Today it is the Manoeuvre Force Headquarters. The site holds considerable historical interest. The old convent was founded under Jaime I, and has since been the dwelling of San Vicente Ferrer and San Luis Bertran, an important religious and cultural focal point, protected and visited by the kings of Aragon and members of the House of Austria, the houses of Parliament of the Kingdom of Valencia and those of the Spanish during the Republic. It still has monumental value due to its notable architecture, what remains as much as what has been lost, due to the quality of its rooms and its historical interest. Of what remains today, one's attention should be drawn to the chapter house and main cloister, both 14th century Gothic architecture, the Renaissance refectory (today the throne room), the magnificent bell tower and the renovated San Vicente chapel, constructed in academic Baroque style. The Royal Chapel is of particular interest, master work from late European Gothic architecture. Latter medieval architectures equally important are the remains of the principal church and chapels of El Rosario and San Vicente.