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 Jaudenes' former palace |
Plaza de Manises 4 Valencia 46003 Spain |
In the heart of the historic center, very close to the Plaza de La Virgen and the adjoining Cathedral, you will find the Plaza de Manises surrounded by stately buildings that have been refurbished and are now dedicated to housing various government bodies. One of these buildings is the Palacio de Batlia, or former Jaudenes palace, declared a Historical National Monument. Its origin dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries although aesthetically the style of its facade corresponds to the 19th century. Today the Palacio de Batlia is the seat of the national government's representative office in Valencia. The interior cannot be visited. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Originally gothic in style |
Calle de Caballeros 33 Valencia 46001 Spain |
The Palacio de los Centelles (or Palacio de los Condes de Oliva), is one of the many stately buildings which line Caballeros street. This palace though gothic in origin, has neoclassical facades at both the front and side due to remodelling undertaken in the 18th century. Inside, there's a wonderful patio with a well that served to provide water for the entire household. In the back wall, there is a door which used to lead apparently to a private garden, while a glass-lined staircase from the early 20th century leads to the various apartments. It is a private building and the interior is closed to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Palace in old aristocratic neighborhood |
Calle de los Caballeros 20-22 Valencia 46500 Spain |
Caballeros street in the old quarter of Valencia was once part of an aristocratic neighborhood. A few stately mansions and small palaces remain from its "golden" age, such as this one, the Palacio de Malferit, once known as the Palacio de los Brizuela. Although it's gothic in origin, the building underwent many reforms from the Renaissance through to 1900. The palace was originally a three-storey dwelling with a classic facade. There are two distinct vestibules and entries. One is large and classically 19th century, while the other (Caballeros, 22 entrance) is smaller and still conserves its original gothic style, perhaps one of the best examples in the city. It is a private building and you cannot visit the inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Gothic-style palace |
Plaza de Manises, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 386 6100 |
The "Palau de la Generalitat" is a renovated building which houses the executive branch of the Valencian Autonomous Community, the Generalitat. The palace was constructed in the 15th century and its style is gothic. In 1421, this palace was the Royal Court building for the kingdom of Valencia. Other layers were added on later, such as the Renaissance ceilings with gold in-lays and clearly Moorish influences. There are also valuable paintings by Zariñena in the main boardroom. This unique building can only be admired from the exterior, as is the case with most government buildings in the area, but a leisurely stroll through the old quarter is always a treat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Javier Gimeno Desco |
 Photo: brigitte attacks again |
 Photo: Antonio Gonzalez  |
 Photo: Carlos Moya |
 Photo: Juanpa |
 Aesthetic delight |
Calle del Poeta Querol 2 Valencia 46002 Spain +34 96 351 6392 |
One of Spain's most beautiful palaces, it's a brilliant example of rococo architecture with a wonderful Churrigueresque façade that looks like running water. The imposing alabaster main entrance was designed by Hipólito Rovira and sculpted by Ignacio Vergara. The original building dates from the 16th century although it was completely renovated during the 18th. Have a look at the luxurious ballroom inside and visit the fabulous Ceramics Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marialuisa Wittlin |
 Photo: máximo ros gonzález |
 Photo: Fran Gómez |
 Photo: José Luis Rodríguez |
 Photo: Alberto y Eva |
 Photo: Ali Spivak |
 Photo: David Vidorreta |
 Photo: Juan Écija (Xàtiva) |
 Photo: Laura_82 |
 Photo: Greta Polo |
 Photo: isidro2007 |
 Photo: Clara Moon |
 Photo: _Bekas |
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16th century palace |
Plaza de Manises 4 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 388 2500 |
You will find this palace almost attached to the Palacio de Batlia next door. Together they adorn the central and historic Plaza de Manises. They both make up the current seat of the national government's representative office in the province of Valencia. The Palacio del Marqués de la Scala has been declared a Historic and Artistic National Monument. Its architectural interest is based on the mix of styles that have been added layer upon layer over the centuries. Its origins date back to the 16th century, but now you'll find a harmonious synthesis of gothic (the original), baroque and Renaissance styles. The result is an important and beautiful work of art. Unfortunately, the interior is closed to the general public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old ship-building site, today museum |
Calle de Jose Aguirre Valencia 46011 Spain +34 96 352 5478 |
You can visit the Reales Atarazanas, which are located next to the plaza del Tribunal de les Aigues at the bottom of Avenida del Puerto. This is a unique and important building within the city's naval and merchantile history. The original construction dates back to the 14th century and was where ships were formerly built. Its architecture is clear indication of the wealth achieved in Valencia and the importance of commerce, especially in the 15th century. Today the Atarazanas serves a very different purpose. It now houses the Joaquín Saludes Maritime Museum, with a valuable collection of archaeological pieces and models, including the famous Libro del Consulado del Mar (Sea Consulate Log). Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Richard Alexander Ca |
 Photo: Alex Bershaw |
 Photo: Abel Pardo López |
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 Photo: miss karen |
 Photo: Miguel Espinosa |
 Photo: Manel |
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 Photo: Marco Ayala |
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 Photo: Matteo Balzani |
 Photo: virenaustralia |
 Photo: Alain Bertholet |
 Photo: Gurpaal Virdee |
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 Photo: SilBan |
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 Photo: JUAN RODRIGO LEGUA |
 Photo: Rupert Sagar-Musgrav |
 Photo: Oliver Brearley |
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Knight Templars & warrior monks |
Plaza del Temple 2 Valencia 46003 Spain |
The Palacio del Temple is more famous for its previous occupants than for its architecture, though this too is outstanding. Today it is the University Parish but it was once the monastery for the Montesa Order of monks. These are the legendary warrior-monks or "Knight Templars", charged with protecting the Holy Grail. The building itself was built by the architect from Madrid, Miguel Fernández. There are two separate parts to the complex: the monastery and the church. Two large towers with white and blue tiles crown the building (typical of the Mediterranean). The facade is pure Neoclassical in style, while inside is a beautiful cloister. The church is based on a typically Jesuit layout and has a wonderfully large dome. The Palacio was declared a Historic and Artistic National Monument in 1979. You can visit the complex one hour prior to commencement of mass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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 |
