The lush Jardin Cauce Turia is one of Valencia’s many parks.

Seeing the "Holy Grail" is just one reason to visit Valencia's cathedral, a mostly Gothic structure with Romanesque and Baroque styles. Here are three more:

1. The discovery of fabulous frescos hidden in the walls and dome for more than 500 years made news around the world when they were uncovered in 2004.

Now visitors have a chance to see the Renaissance paintings as they are being restored.

It's believed church officials of the day weren't pleased with the frescos and refused to pay for them. Normally, they would have been plastered over, but instead someone, who likely couldn't bear to see the frescos destroyed, had a new wall constructed over top, preserving them in the process.

2. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the Gothic bell tower known as Miguelete from inside the cathedral. At the top of a narrow flight of stairs that take you up about 50 metres, you'll see the old town, the many domed churches and fertile plains beyond.

3. If you're in the city on a Thursday, try to get here before noon to witness an unusual oddity that is a long-standing tradition - the convening of the Water Court. From the cathedral's Puerta de los Apostoles (Apostles' Door) enter the Plaza de la Virgen, where the black-clad members of the Water Tribunal meet once a week with farmers to settle disputes surrounding matters of irrigation.

Exploring Valencia

A beautiful city on the Costa Blanca (White Coast), Valencia's highlights include the gorgeous City of Arts and Sciences complex, beaches, parks and several notable museums, which would take days to appreciate fully.

An economical way to see the city is with the Valencia Tourist Card, available for 24, 48 or 72 hours (costing 10, 16 or 20 euros, respectively). It offers free public transport and free admission or discounts to dozens of museums, leisure activities, shops and restaurants.

At least 12 sites are free, including MUVIM (which translates as the Valencia Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity), the Torres de Quart (15th-century towers that guard the city's entrance), Museo Taurino (Bull Fighting Museum), and the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts).

For more information

Check turisvalencia.es

For the Valencia Tourist Card check valenciatouristcard.com