The Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Path of Peace, is a spiritual journey rooted in the Christian tradition that began in Jerusalem two thousand years ago and extends through three European countries. In Italy, highlights include the Basilica of San Lorenzo Outside the Walls in Rome, the catacombs linked to the “Kos Kidush”, and the Castel Nuovo in Naples, where the Holy Grail is sought. Genoa exhibits the Sacro Catino, associated with the Last Supper. In France, cities such as Marseilles and Toulouse, as well as literary sites such as Troyes and Rennes-le-Château, are intertwined on the route.
Since March 18, 1437, the Holy Chalice has been kept in the Cathedral of Valencia, recognized as Jubilee by the Holy See every five years. This path is unique, centered on Jesus and his message of love, being crucial in Christianity. The experience goes beyond seeking seals or atonement for sins; it is a journey of personal growth, knowledge and inner peace. Recommended by the Cultural Association The Way of the Holy Grail, the book El Santo Grial de la Dra. Ana Mafé García serves as a preparation.
In Spain, the route runs from the Huesca Pyrenees to Valencia, crossing Aragon. The Christian tradition of the Holy Grail drives this itinerary, which is presented with Jesus as the protagonist and with literary parallels such as Parsifal and King Arthur.
Oral Christian tradition states that the cup used at the Last Supper was carried by St. Peter from Jerusalem to Rome. In 258, before his martyred death, Lawrence sent the cup to Osca (Huesca) with a group of Christians.
During the Saracen invasions in the 8th century, the bishop of Huesca moved the cup to the Pyrenees to protect it. Finally, the relic was deposited in the Royal Pantheon of the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, where the European legend of the Holy Grail was forged. It remained in custody until 1399, when, at the request of King Martin I, the monks delivered it to the Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza.
In 1415, King Alfonso V the Magnanimous, who married Queen Maria of Castile in the Cathedral of Valencia, decided to move the capital of the Crown of Aragon to Valencia. With this move, he also took with him the reliquary of the House of Aragon, recreating the whole history of the Holy Grail in the decoration of the Castello Nuovo in Naples. For security reasons, the complete reliquary of the Crown of Aragon, including the Holy Chalice, was deposited in the Cathedral of Valencia on March 18, 1437, where it has remained ever since.
The route is divided into stages, from Somport to Zaragoza, from Zaragoza to Teruel and from Teruel to Valencia. Each section presents municipalities and points of interest, marked with different colors that indicate coincidences with other existing routes. In addition, the Anillo del Maestrazgo (Maestrazgo Ring) is highlighted as an extension of the route in Teruel and Castellón.
The Way of the Holy Grail can be done on foot, by road bike or on horseback. Requesting the Pilgrimage Credential of the Cultural Association The Way of the Holy Grail is essential, and when greeting each other on the way, the message is exchanged: “Peace and Love with you” and “Light on the way”.
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