Museo del Patriarca

About the museum

The Real Colegio Seminario de Corpus Christi, known as the Colegio del Patriarca, was founded in 1583 by Saint John de Ribera. Its main purpose was to train priests in line with the guidelines of the Council of Trent, and it became the model of the Counter-Reformation in Valencia. The complex was declared a Monumento Histórico-Artístico Nacional (National Historic-Artistic Monument) in 1962 and a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in 2007.

The building stands out for its Renaissance cloister, with Carrara marble columns, and for the church, decorated with frescoes by Bartolomé Matarana. The complex also includes the chapel of the Purísima, known as the Chapel of the Tapestries, which holds four Flemish tapestries and a vault painted in 1606. The church is a place of worship and can only be visited on a guided tour or outside Mass times.

The museum holds a painting collection that includes works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Van der Weyden, Ribalta, Benlliure and Pinazo, among others. It also keeps the original manuscript of the “Instrucciones y oraciones” (Tristia Christi), a posthumous work by Saint Thomas More written during his imprisonment in the Tower of London.

Highlights

• Renaissance cloister with Carrara marble columns
• Church with frescoes by Bartolomé Matarana
• Chapel of the Tapestries with Flemish tapestries
• Paintings by Caravaggio, El Greco, Ribalta and Pinazo, among others
• Original manuscript by Saint Thomas More

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo del Patriarca – Painting collection spanning several centuries, with works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Van der Weyden, Ribalta, Benlliure and Pinazo, among others.
• Capilla de la Purísima (de los Tapices) – Chapel with four Flemish tapestries and a vault painted in 1606.
• Manuscrito de Tomás Moro – Original manuscript of the “Instrucciones y oraciones”, written by Saint Thomas More in prison shortly before his execution in 1535.

Founded

1959

Operated by

Real Colegio Seminario de Corpus Christi

Admission & discounts

The €5 rate applies to the self-guided visit. Reduced rates exist and can be checked on the college's website. Prices include VAT. On 18 May (International Museum Day) the museum offered free entry.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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