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 Interesting exhibits in old warehouse |
Plaza de San Luis Beltrán 1 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 352 5478 |
This building was constructed in the 16th century and served as a warehouse (hence the name, almudín from the Arabic) which stored the city's grain. Previously, it was also the site of the Paleontologic Museum but is nowadays dedicated to temporary exhibitions, ranging from art to archaeology and ethnology. The building was recently restored and they recovered the deteriorated wall paintings that depict scenes of everyday life in 16th century Valencia. The Almudín was declared a national historical and artistic monument shortly before its restoration. The square onto which this building opens is also one of the most attractive in the city and another good reason to visit. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: KaMpErE |
 Photo: J.L. Castellanos |
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Neoclassical site of first university |
Calle de la Nave Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 386 4100 |
You'll find the building that housed the first university in Valencia just behind the Real Colegio del Patriarca. The university building is an elegant example of Neoclassicism and has valuable sculptures inside. The most outstanding feature about the exterior, however, is its austerity, especially if you compare it to the Palacio del Temple, another neoclassical building but much more creative. The central cloister is calm and pleasant, surrounded by Doric columns full of references to teaching. There's also a bronze statue of Luis Vives in the middle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Basilica dedicated to the Virgin |
Plaza de la Virgen, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 8611 |
The basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados is the sight of the statue of the namesake virgin of the basilica. The basilica, attached to the Cathedral by a magnificent renaissance archway, competes with the cathedral in its ability to attract the faithful. It is the sanctuary of the Geperudeta (the Little Hunchback), the virgin who is known for her efforts to protect the less fortunate. The statue itself is gothic, with a Byzantine face, a long head of hair and is adorned by numerous jewels donated by the faithful. The basilica was constructed between 1652 and 1667 by Diego Martínez Ponce de Urruana and it's located in Plaza de la Virgen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Holy Grail |
Plaza de la Reina Conjunto Catedralicio Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
The cathedral's Sala Capitular contains a legendary object: the Holy Grail. The supposed Grail arrived in Valencia in 1437, from San Juan de la Peña Monastery, thanks to King Alfonso the Magnanimous. This relic is Christianity's most precious treasure, and the only officially recognised Grail (or chalice that is said to have held the blood of Christ). Though this is debated and most historians agree that this is not the true Grail, it remains an important relic for Christianity, as well as for Islam and Judaism. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline Lufti |
 Photo: Matt Perreault |
 Photo: Elizabeth Kalinski |
 Photo: Maggie Fok |
 Photo: Ashley Buice |
 Photo: Christopher McCarter  |
 Photo: Catherine Wingate |
 Photo: denisesfotos |
 Noteworthy art, including two Goyas |
Plaza de la Almoina, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
Inside Valencia's cathedral, you will find the oldest museum in the city, founded in 1761. The museum's collection consists primarily of religious wooden images, paintings, and other sacred objects and silver work. Among these pieces is a notable collection of works from the 14th century, pieces by Jacomart, the two Hernandos, Juan de Juanes, and the most well-known, two paintings by Goya, The Farewell to Saint Francis of Borja, and the Condemned. The cathedral also holds other valuable items, such as documents by Calixto III and Alejandro VI, both Popes from Valencia, and one of the most sacred items in all of Christianity, donated by King Alfonso the Magnanimous: The Holy Grail (or chalice) used by Christ (however, the question of whether this is the true Holy Grail is hotly debated). Admission: 3EUR Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Magnificent collection of paintings |
Calle de la Nave 1 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 351 4176 / +34 96 351 0144 |
This magnificent museum is located in the Royal Seminary College of Corpus Christi. It was founded in 1583 by Saint Juan de Ribera, who put together an excellent collection of paintings. You'll find works by Juan de Juanes, Pedro de Campana, Fernando Yanez de la Almedina, El Greco (The worship of the Shepherds and The Meditation of Saint Francis and Friar Leon, Mariano Benlliure and Francisco Ribalta, among others. The atmosphere in the museum and the quality of the paintings make it one of the city's most charming. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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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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Small but famous church |
Plaza de San Esteban 2 Valencia 46003 Spain |
San Esteban church is a small building close to the Cathedral. It's an interesting place, though not so much architecturally as for historical and anecdotal reasons. The area around it (Plaza de l'Almoina) is full of treasure down below. It is the site of some of the most important archaeological finds in the city dating back to Roman times. According to legend, this church is where local Saint Vicente Ferrer was baptized, and where El Cid Campeador, legendary Christian warrior fighting the Moors, had his two daughters married. Mass: 8a & 7:30p M-Sa, 1p, 7:30p & 9:15p Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nadia Piegari |
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In the historic centre |
Calle del Trinquete de los Caballeros 5 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 392 2965 |
The San Juan del Hospital church is located between two of the most popular squares found in Valencia's old quarter: Plaza San Vicente Ferrer and Plaza de Nápoles y Sicilia. You can access the church from La Paz street. The building was originally gothic in style, though there are hardly any remaining traces of this early architecture left, though it is still an interesting visit. One noteworthy feature in particular is the Saint Barbara side-chapel inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pedro Gomes |
 Photo: Pedro Gomes |
 Photo: Javier J Bas |
 Photo: turlusifoneador |
 Photo: Dmitri Kazmin |
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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 |
 Photo: Dr. Moppo |
 Photo: JesS_VLC |
 Photo: Gosia Janerka |
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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 |
 Photo: Jonathan Holden |
 Photo: nessa_lavey |
 Photo: threewise |
 Photo: Delwynne Fife |
 Photo: rparis74 |
 Photo: k_man123 |
 Photo: ramonbaile |
 Photo: kristasung |
 Photo: Sally Vermaaten |
 Photo: Andrew Egenes |
 Photo: Siyad Ma |
 Photo: Claudia Vega |
 Photo: Marco Conti |
 Photo: Maleldo |
 Photo: Carlos Muñoz |
 Photo: Juan & Megan León |
 Photo: Snowy Hoobinoo |
 Photo: Soleado84 |
 Photo: Zac Woolfitt |
 Photo: Nikki Brooke |
 Photo: Joe Kromer |
 Photo: Adam Harbott |
 Photo: Neil Waterhouse |
 Photo: Andrew Parnell |
 Photo: Tim McLean |
 Photo: Anett Grusser-Petter |
 Photo: tenacious snail |