The main cloister is one of the most significant spaces in the historical building of the Universitat de València.

Construction began in 1844 at the hand of the architect Timoteo Calvo. In 1871 Sebastián Monleón finished the remaining two wings, completing the ground floor, which was flanked by Doric columns. It wasn’t until the 20th century, between 1943 and 1944, that the architect Javier Goerlich built the gallery on the upper floor, supported by Ionic columns. 

The cloister is slightly trapezoidal in shape due to the greater length of one of its sides. The longer sides are supported by eleven columns each, with six columns on one of the shorter sides, and seven on the remaining side. The walls are adorned with medallions which, similar to the busts of ancient times, represent the various Jurats of the city that helped to establish the Universitat de València in the 15th century, as well as other significant individuals linked to the history of the institution.

From the cloister we can visit the various exhibitions located on the ground floor. The Estudi General is located next to the entrance on Calle de La Nau. On the west end, next to the Auditorium, is the Oberta Hall, used for smaller exhibitions. Next to the main entrance on Calle Universitat we find the Academia Hall, named after the Academy of Fine Arts that was located in this area of the building.

And in the center of the cloister, a statue of the famous humanist Luis Vives, illustrious alum of this university, welcomes students and visitors alike.