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 Remains of old Arab wall |
Calle de Caballeros 22 Valencia 46001 Spain |
The old city of Valencia was surrounded by a wall of which today there only remain two of its original entrances and a few bits and pieces scattered about. The two entrances are the impressive Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart towers and gateways. While walking along the narrow and tiny streets in the old quarter, you can find one of the old wall's remaining bits here on Portal de Valldigna street. It is an archway built in 1440 leading into what was the old Arab quarter. This structure is important for historical, cultural, and architectural reasons. From this last perspective, the structure is noteworthy: It consists of a semi-circular arch atop two side pillars. It's worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 15th century palace |
Plaza de San Lorenzo Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 387 6100 |
Todays Valencian Parliament is seated in the Benicarlo Palace in central San Lorenzo plaza. The construction of this building, recently renovated, dates back to the 15th century. Its general style is gothic, though the facade evidences various transformations and make-overs suited to the tastes and styles of the various centuries since its original construction. In its beginnings it was a palace for an illustrious Valencian family, the Dukes of Gandia. The back of the palace hides a lush garden that evokes memories of the grandeur achieved by this ancient city in the past. Unfortunately, it cannot be visited. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Grant |
 Photo: Christopher Grant |
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Buy fresh vegetables in an architectural masterpiece |
Plaza del Mercado 6 Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 382 9101 http://www.mercadocentralvalen... |
One of Europe's largest markets and a masterpiece of modernist architecture, Valencia´s Mercado Central is a joyously lively, colourful and welcoming place to do your shopping. Visit in the morning and you'll see an astounding array of fresh produce attractively displayed in all the stalls. It opened in 1928 opposite La Lonja. It's a huge 8000 square metre expanse of steel and glass decorated with typically colourful Valencian ceramic tiles. Proud local architects Soler March and Guardia Vich even included the colours of the regional flag (Senyera) in its windows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Xavi Calvo |
 Photo: Alan Moroney |
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 Photo: Fred Shively |
 Photo: Alvaro Munoz-Aycuens |
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Valencia Spain |
A good point to start a sightseeing trip through the city is without a doubt the historic centre of town. The Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lauren Cox |
 Photo: Priscilla Yuen |
 Photo: Ilango Leonardo Srir |
 Photo: Chris O'Connell |
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Journey to the future |
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia, s/n Valencia 46013 Spain +34 902 10 0031 http://www.cac.es |
The first of its kind in Spain, this totally white futuristic cityscape made up of enormous modern buildings is the work of famous local architect Santiago Calatrava. You'll find it in the Túria river bed. The complex spreads out over 350000m2 and consists of four different but related parts: the Arts Centre, Science Museum, planetarium and Ocean Park. The science museum and planetarium are open to the public while the other buildings are still under construction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: JCuerva |
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 Photo: Javier Martínez |
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Only remaining Arab baths |
Calle de los Baños del Almirante 3 Valencia 46003 Spain |
The Baños del Almirante (Admiral's Baths), also called Abd-al-Malik, are just a short distance form the Plaza del Temple. This Arab bath house was built in the 13th century, shortly before the triumphal entrance and conquest by (Catholic) Jaime I. It is the only one remaining in the city of the original 10 at that time. In 1963, the decorative touches added in the 19th century were removed to restore its original appearance. The doorway is interesting, in a typical Arabic style, with a horseshoe-shaped entry leading to a narrow passageway decorated in colorful tiles, some dating from the Arab times. The baths were renovated in 1986 and are now open to the public. Guided tours begin every half hour, during which the front door remains closed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Panoramic Stairwell |
Conjunto Catedralicio Plaza de la Reina, s/n Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
It's worth climbing the 207 steps of the catedral belltower's spiral staircase to get the best views of the city. From nearly 60m in the air you can see everything around you, including the tower's 12 huge bells, the largest weighing 11000 kilos. The distinctive octagonal structure was built during the late 14th and early 15th centuries in a Gothic style similar to the belltowers in Lérida and Narbonne. Admission: (EUR 2.00) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manolo-lopez |
 Photo: Daniel J. Cartwright |
 Photo: Leif Eirik Skaue |
 Photo: Karina CW |
 Photo: Joao Alves |
 Photo: Charbel Stockmans Daou |
 Photo: bdmc |
 Photo: soonforward |
 Photo: Daniel Sun |
 Photo: Javier Terol |
 Photo: Jose Wendy |
 Photo: maic_her |
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Very interesting Modernist building |
Xàtiva, 24 Valencia 46002 Spain +34 902 24 0202 / +34 902 24 3402 http://www.renfe.es/ |
This train station is another example of Modernist art at its best. It's found next to the bullring, on Xàtiva Street, and it was built between 1909 and 1917 by Demetrio Ribes. One of its most noteworthy features is the central hall with beautiful mosaics representing delicate flowers and more. The bays are as attractive now as they were years ago, and still have the elegance you might find in an old black and white movie. This building is perhaps a good reflection of the changes and culture in Valencia at the turn of the last century. All of this is now harmoniously mixed with the most modern technology in trains and transportation. From this station leave commuter trains and trains to the main Spanish and European cities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erwin Blezer |
 Photo: angelo greco |
 Photo: David Smith |
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18th century neoclassical building |
Calle del Palacio de Justicia Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 387 8100 |
The Palacio de Justicia (Palace of Justice) separates the Plaza de Alfonso el Magnanimo and the Plaza Porta del Mar. It was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument in 1982. It is neoclassical in style though you can see certain flourishes not normally associated with this style of architecture. It was constructed between 1758 and 1802, and served originally as a customs-house, where contracts for all sea trade were made. In 1828 it was converted into a tobacco processing factory. This would be its function until 1914 when the architect, Vicente Rodriguez, with some very important remodeling, turned it into the Palacio de Justicia we can appreciate today. One of the most notable features of this palace are the statues of Charles III accompanied by two notable allegorical figures on top, created by Ignacio Vergara in the 18th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Surrounded by beautiful buildings |
Plaza de Manises Valencia 46003 Spain |
Plaza de Manises is in the heart of "Ciutat Vella" (the old city) and is where aristocratic Caballeros street ends, coming from Plaza de la Virgen. It's a small square, though surrounded by beautiful and unique buildings which have been reformed and now house government offices. This is the case for the Palacio de Batlia palace which is practically touching the Palacio del Marqués de la Scala (15th and 16th centuries), now housing the central government's representative offices in Valencia. Another building worth note is the Palacio de la Generalitat, built in the 15th century and a good example of Valencian gothic architecture, currently the seat of the Autonomous Community of Valencia's government. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carquinyol |
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Most Important Archaeological Site |
Plaza de la Almoina, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
Plaza de l'Almoina (or Alms Plaza) is a small square situated next to the Cathedral that has gained great importance for hiding some of the greatest archaeological treasures in the city. Excavation in Plaza de l'Almoina started in 1985. Four years later the former building called San Vicente's Jail was demolished, and to everyone's surprise they discovered important remnants of past civilizations: What appeared to be part of a Roman road, a Visigothic funeral chapel, Arab baths, and more. These are just some of the important finds in this plaza. In the archeological site on San Vincente Martir, you will find an audiovisual explanation of this plaza and its archaeological treasures in three alternating languages: Spanish, Valencian or English. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ana Soto |
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Legacy of war |
Calle de Guillem de Castro 92 Valencia 46001 Spain |
You can still see the damage caused to these tall, solid, Gothic towers by French artillery in 1808 during the Peninsular War. They were built in the 15th century by architect Pere Bonfill as an entrance through the medieval defensive wall. The road from here led to the town of Quart de Poblet, hence the name. They're now an official national monument. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: King Coyote |
 Photo: Fabian Gonzalez |
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 Photo: Antonio Zugaldia |
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Founded by San Juan de Ribera |
Calle de la Nave 3 Valencia 46003 Spain |
This school and seminary was founded in 1583 by San Juan de Ribera. It is an important building architecturally for reflecting the importance the Italian Renaissance had in Spain. The structure takes up an entire city block, deliberately built in front of the original university building so that the students and seminarists could easily attend relevant classes. The main entrance on Nave street shows a mix of architectural styles, and the main double vestibule or hall separates the church from the "Capilla de la Inmaculada" chapel, both of which are worthy of a visit. But perhaps this seminary's most important feature architecturally is the cloistered patio, considered one of the most beautiful within the Spanish Renaissance. The building also houses the Patriarca museum where you can contemplate a selection of paintings by Archbishop Riberas as well as many other artists. All of these works are respresentative of the painting done in the 16th and 17th centuries. Here you'll find works by Juan de Juanes, el Greco, Novaro and Baglione, among others. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Most important Roman legacy |
Valencia 46500 Spain +34 96 351 0417 |
Sagunto is a town located not very far from the city of Valencia towards the north. It is in the county called "El Camp de Morvedre". This town is known by historians for its fierce and tragic resistance to Hanibal's forces in 220 B.C. This resistance lasted 8 months and in the end, the citizens set fire to the city and all died. Today Sagunto is, with reason, the most visted city in the province of Valencia. In this town you will find a Roman theater, one of the most important Roman legacies in all of Spain. There is also a medieval castle built on top of the remains of forts from previous centuries, while serving as site for many important historical events and battles. Because of its size, it had to be divided into seven different parts in order to be defended. Other monuments of both historic and artistic interest that make the trip to this town worth it are the church of El Salvador from the 13th century, the church of Santa Maria from the 14th and 15th centuries, the old Jewish quarter, and the Hermita de la Sangre hermitage. Transport: Trains leave the Estacion del Norte station in Valencia every half hour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dana & Sonia |
 Photo: Paul Michael Burton |
 Photo: Javier Valencia |
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Former monastery for hermit monks |
Plaza de San Agustín 1 Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 352 6870 |
San Agustín Church is now what was once the monastery for hermit monks in the order of the namesake saint. The original Medieval building was covered later by baroque and classical ornamentation, though a more recent attempt was made to recreate the original gothic style. Although the church is today a part of the hustle and bustle of the city centre - it's located near Norte Station, it was originally in the middle of the fields, far from the old walls of the city. When you enter this church, there really is a sense of solemnity to it, and the huge windows around the main altar let in warm sunlight, creating the marvellous effect of peace and tranquility, exactly what the original monks were looking for. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Angel Salguero |
 Photo: Mª José Vela |
 Photo: cogozalez1 |
 Photo: Héctor Rodríguez |
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Most picturesque church |
Plaza de Santa Catalina, s/n Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 7713 |
If you walk down La Paz street heading towards the Plaza de la Reina, you will see Santa Catalina church's beautiful and baroque bell tower. Once in the plaza, you can get a full appreciation for the beauty and ornateness of the church, contrasting with the sobriety of "El Miguelete's", the Cathedral bell tower. These two towers are, according to popular legend, husband and wife. Santa Catalina's origins date back to the time of Catholic conquest of the city, when in a demonstration of power over the conquered Moors, king Jaime I built wonderful structures throughout the city such as this one. Santa Catalina, known as a baroque church, is really much older. Behind the baroque facade and in the interior you will find an early gothic structure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marta S. Gufstasson |
 Photo: jelen08 |
 Photo: Lutetia |
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Medieval City Entrance |
Plaza de los Fueros, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 9070 |
Construction on these large guard towers was finished in 1391. They were once the main entrance to the city in the long-since destroyed wall. They offer a perfect view of the old riverbed of the Turia river and its surroundings. From an architectural point of view, they are both pentagon-shaped, connected by a common gallery, and decorated with gothic designs on the borders. On the top there are parapets, and, around the entire structure, you can see the remains of the old moat. These towers also serve a purpose during the famous Cridà, or announcement. This is a popular event announcing the arrival of the most important festival in Valencia- the Fallas- encouraging everyone to participate. You can enter the towers and climb to the top for the fantastic views of the city they offer. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Gothic Gem |
Calle de la Lonja 6 Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 352 5478 |
UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique example of Valencian Gothic-style architecture, this beautiful building is well worth a visit. It has stood amidst the hustle and bustle of Plaza del Mercado since being built in 1483 by Pere Compte. Its construction was financed by the city's merchants to become their headquarters for contracting and as a consulate for sea trade. It's often referred to as the merchants' house or the silk market and the structure is divided into three parts: the market itself, an interior garden, and the consulate with its turret. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tri-cultural architectual fusion |
Plaza de la Reina Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
This imposing Gothic cathedral consists of 3 naves, a polygonal apse and monumental dome. Construction began in 1262 and finished in 1702, though before it was a cathedral, it had been a mosque and a Roman temple. The cathedral's three doors reflect the mixture of styles: the Palau (palace) door is archaic Romanesque mixed with primitive Gothic; the Door of the Apostles is pure Gothic, and the Hierros Door is Baroque. Every Thursday at midday, the Door of the Apostles is the site of the oldest tribunal in all of Europe, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), which resolves the conflicts arising over the use of water in the nearby fields. Another outstanding feature is the Gothic bell tower, known as the Miguelete, which you can visit. The cathedral also houses the Catedralicio Diocesano Museum and the Santo Cáliz Chapel. Mass: Mon-F 7:25a, 8a, 9a, 9:45a, 11a, 12p, 6p, 7p and 8p Sa 6p,7p and 8p Su 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12p, 1p, 6p, 7p and 8p Review © 2007, Wcities |
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