Valencia Provincial Council Invests in Holy Grail Way as Strategic Cultural-Tourism Axis

The Provincial Council of Valencia has granted aid to promote the Way of the Holy Grail as a strategic cultural and tourist axis for the province. The grant, awarded by Presidential Decree No. 13616 dated November 7, 2025, aims to consolidate and promote this route as a cultural resource and position Valencian municipalities within the European Cultural Route "The Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Path of Peace." Deputy for Tourism Pedro Cuesta emphasized the initiative's importance in connecting heritage, identity, European culture, and sustainable tourism development while promoting territorial cohesion and the province's external projection.

The Cultural Association El Camino del Santo Grial has accepted the grant, committing to comply with conditions related to institutional publicity, transparency, execution of subsidized actions, and justification of expenses. Funded actions focus on promotion, communication, dissemination activities, and territorial consolidation of the route, reinforcing Valencian municipalities' presence in a European cultural route that articulates history, scientific research, spirituality, and cultural tourism. The subsidy will be subject to a single payment after justification of executed actions and expenses.

The passage of the Holy Grail Way through Valencia represents a structural opportunity with medium and long-term impacts. Valencia is positioned as the epicentre and culmination of the route, as its Cathedral houses the Holy Chalice, venerated as the Holy Grail, making the province a singular worldwide reference point. The route forms a continuous axis connecting valleys, orchards, the coast, and metropolitan areas, integrating municipalities into a shared cultural narrative that fosters inter-municipal cooperation and territorial balance.

The itinerary promotes cultural, spiritual, and regenerative tourism complementary to traditional tourism, attracting visitors year-round and generating sustained flows beyond high seasons. Throughout the provincial route, historical, religious, landscape, and ethnographic heritage resources are activated from the Palancia valley to the orchard and coast, promoting conservation and interpretation. The Camino fosters opportunities linked to the local cultural and tourist economy, including accommodation, restaurants, cultural guides, local products, crafts, educational activities, and cultural events.

As a European Cultural Route, The Way of the Holy Grail promotes shared values such as peace, hospitality, knowledge, and intercultural understanding, aligning with European cultural policies and sustainable development goals. The consolidation of the Valencian section strengthens the route's candidacy within the Council of Europe's Cultural Routes Programme, opening opportunities for international institutional, academic, and tourism cooperation. The Provincial Council and Cultural Association reaffirm their commitment to transparency, good management of public resources, and promoting a sustainable cultural development model based on heritage respect, local identity, and territorial cooperation.

The route includes 18 municipalities in Valencia province, each contributing unique heritage and cultural elements. Starting from Algimia de Alfara, the gateway from Castellón, it passes through Torres Torres with its medieval castle and Arab baths, Algar de Palancia with its transitional landscapes, and Albalat dels Naranjos, known for its castle and collaboration on pilgrimage credentials. Estivella features official signage and cultural activities, while Sagunto serves as a key historical hub linking Roman and Jewish heritage with the Holy Chalice.

Port of Sagunto offers coastal extension and connection to the Ojos Negros Greenway, Puçol preserves historical pilgrimage records, and El Puig de Santa Maria hosts the Royal Monastery traditionally associated with the Holy Chalice's journey. The route continues through Farnals, Massamagrell—home to the Cultural Association—Emperador with its pilgrim welcome center, Albalat dels Sorells with traditional farmland, and Meliana, where heritage was recently marked for the route. Almàssera, Tavernes Blanques, and Alboraya lead toward Valencia, known for its orchards and symbolic connections, culminating at Valencia Cathedral, the spiritual and cultural epicentre housing the relic.