Main square of Valencia. Spain, Valencia “Town Hall Square. Toros Square in Valencia
Unfortunately, only those buildings whose age does not exceed 5-6 centuries have been able to survive to this day.
One of the city's most recognizable landmarks is the Torres de Serranos city gate. The fortified city structure was erected in 1398 in the form triumphal arch, decorated with carved elements of the Gothic style. The massive gate towers, which temporarily house the Maritime Museum, offer a magnificent panorama of the city.
Valencia can be divided into old and new parts, and each of them is attractive and interesting in its own way. Old Valencia has cathedrals and cobbled squares, towers and museums, gardens and parks. The new city has absorbed all modern trends in architecture and culture.
Historically, starting from the 13th-14th centuries, Christianity predominated in Spanish Valencia. Naturally, this could not but affect the architectural appearance of the city.
The most significant object from the point of view of culture and religion is Cathedral Valencia Santa Maria (Catedral de Valencia), built on the foundations of an old Muslim mosque. According to legend, even earlier a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of war Diana stood on this site. The first stone of the grandiose structure was laid back in the 13th century, but the construction of the cathedral lasted until the 15th century. The Cathedral is not just an amazingly beautiful majestic building, first of all it is a repository of a holy relic valuable to the whole world - the Holy Grail. The cup is kept in the Chapel of Santo Callis (Capilla del Santo Caliz) on the right side of the main entrance to the cathedral. Residents of the city of Valencia firmly believe that this particular cup was used at the Last Supper, and therefore was recognized as authentic.
Also within the walls of the cathedral, decorated with elegant bas-reliefs and sculptures, there is an art museum, collecting works by famous representatives of the Valencian school of the 15th-17th centuries. Next to the Cathedral, from the side of the “old” entrance, every Thursday at noon a meeting of the “Water Tribunal” is traditionally held, at which, from year to year, the main issue is the resolution of disputes about the use and operation of irrigation canals. This tradition is as old as the canals themselves, built in the Romanesque era.
On the territory of the cathedral complex there is another attraction - the bell tower of Torre del Migulete. Due to its height of 68 meters, the tower is visible from anywhere in the historical part of the city. And from the observation deck, located at an altitude of 50 meters, you can admire views of the entire city. Now it is simply a historically significant structure, but in earlier times, the ringing of the bell on the tower served as a way to regulate the process of irrigation of land.
Another miracle of ancient architecture, combining elements of the Gothic style and the Baroque era, is the Catholic Cathedral of La Seu Catedral, built from 1252 to 1482. Like Valencia Cathedral, La Seo Cathedral skillfully weaves together different architectural styles. The facade of the building is decorated according to the canons of the Baroque style, in which recognizable Gothic features are found here and there. Inside the cathedral there are many priceless paintings, including paintings by Goya and Palomino.
And in the main chapel you can see a 15th-century altar, the panels of which were painted by Fernando de Llanos and Fernando Yañez de la Almedina. In another chapel of the cathedral there is a crucifix by Alonso Cano himself and an alabaster altar - a repository of a reliquary with the forearm of St. Vincent Martira.
If you turn northwest from the Plaza de los Reyes in front of the Cathedral, you will soon join the ranks of buyers of souvenir goods, with which the local shops are simply filled to capacity. From there, the flow of the walking public will lead you to the portal of the Apostles and the traditional meeting and meeting place for city residents - the Square of the Virgin Mary.
There, in this square, is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, inside which there is a statue of the Virgin Mary from the 14th century.
Opposite the basilica, you will see the Government Palace (Palacio de la Generalitat), built between 1510 and 1579 for members of the royal parliament. Today there is also a government apparatus operating here, only it has received a completely unroyal name: the Provincial Council. On the ground floor there are the Hall of Cortes and the Golden Hall, the ceilings of which are of great artistic value. To visit the halls of the Palace, you must book tickets in advance.
Old Valencia has many squares that have received great historical names and have become a must-see for all tourists and guests of the city.
For example, Alms Square (Plaza de la Almoina), where in 1985, during archaeological excavations, parts of ancient buildings were discovered - chapels, Arab baths and a Romanesque road.
Plaza Miracle del Mocadoret is surrounded by narrow streets. This is where you can buy beautiful mirrors and picture frames in one of the many specialized stores.
But the most beautiful square is considered to be the Square of the Virgin Mary (Plaza de la Virgen), from which, one might say, the city begins. Here you can sit comfortably at a table in a cafe and admire the views of the Valencia Cathedral and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Miserables. In the center of the square, tourists often take pictures against the backdrop of an amazing fountain, which is a sculptural group in the center of which there is an expressive figure surrounded by seven maidens. This fountain symbolizes the Turia River with its irrigation canals.
No less attention should be paid to the symbol of the city’s thriving trade and industry - the Silk Market (La Lonja de Seda), a true example of late Gothic culture throughout Europe. The market building, built in the 15th-16th centuries, consists of two parts connected by a garden. In the middle of the market you can see the Hall of Columns (Salón Columnario), the upper part of which is decorated with picturesque frescoes. In 1996, the Silk Market was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Central Market building (Mercado Central), whose name speaks for itself, is located in the very center of Valencia. It was built on the site of old shopping arcades and therefore has an irregular shape, since it repeats a section of the territory that was once given by the city rulers for a market. Thanks to the architects Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler, we see in front of us a building made in the Art Nouveau style.
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Bullfighting Museum |
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To the right of the beautiful main entrance is the 15th-century Chapel de los Reyes with the tomb of Marshal Mendoza. Currently, part of the complex is reserved for barracks.
Among the diversity gothic architecture Valencia is wonderfully distinguished by the Colegio del Patriarca Museum with its courtyard decorated with arches. Built between 1586 and 1610, the building is in the Renaissance style. Today there is a museum housing collections of paintings and Flemish tapestries.
Actually in Valencia huge number museums. But the most visited is probably National Museum Ceramics and Luxury Arts (Museo Nacional de Ceramica "Gonzalez Marti"), located in the Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas. The original architectural appearance of the building, built at the end of the 15th century, was changed during reconstruction work carried out in 1740 by the owner of the palace. As a result, we can see not an example of Gothic culture, but a building from the Baroque era. The museum's collection includes about 12 thousand exhibits. Particular attention should be paid not only to the works of famous artists, but also to visit special halls - a tea room, a dance hall, a porcelain room, as well as the Japanese and Red halls.
Next to the art museum are the Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real) or Municipal Nurseries, where numerous monuments and exhibition pavilions of the world-famous International Trade Fair are presented to tourists. Opposite is the Royal Bridge, spanning the Turia River, decorated with statues of saints. From here, Paseo de la Alameda will take you to the Aragonese Bridge.
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City of Art and Science |
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Huge entertainment center its design resembles an eye in which part of the roof can rise and fall. Inside this strange architectural object There is a Planetarium where you can watch the movement of celestial bodies or take a 3D journey through the Universe.
Anyone can have a cultural relaxation and experience art by visiting the Reina Sofia Palace of Arts. It houses three halls: an opera hall with 1,750 seats, a congress hall and a theater hall with 450 seats. The hall has excellent acoustics, transforming the symphonies heard here into a pure harmony of sounds.
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Science Museum |
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The last two buildings are more focused on nature and naturalness - the Greenhouse and the Oceanarium, which is the largest museum of marine life in Europe.
At the beginning of 2008, the largest zoo in Europe was opened in Valencia, which was named Bioparc. The territory was divided into three regions: Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and Savannah, simulating the flora and fauna of the savannah, the African continent, the jungle and the subtropics. Visitors also have the opportunity to see rare animals listed in the Red Book. One of the differences of the zoo is the complete absence of enclosures and cages for animals. Animals are separated from humans by plants and bodies of water, which creates a feeling of presence in the bosom wildlife.
The Northern Museum can also be considered a museum. Train Station(Estacion del Norte). The interior of the station, designed in Art Nouveau style, is richly decorated with mosaic paintings and ornamental compositions.
In Valencia it is interesting not only to wander through the narrow streets and visit historical places. There are many parks and gardens here. You should definitely visit the Old Riverbed of Turia, which is a picturesque nine-kilometer green strip bordered by ancient walls and decorated with a scattering of architectural monuments. Both locals and city guests love to come here. This place serves as a reminder of how cruel the elements can be. After all, it was the floods that occurred in the middle of the 20th century. and leaving behind destruction and death, forced the city authorities to change the course of the river and thus save old City from further disasters. The old riverbed turned into a beautiful man-made natural monument.
Valencia is a beautiful and bustling city where people love and know how to have fun. Various holidays and masquerades are held here. The most memorable traditional holiday for all tourists is Las Fallas, dedicated to the reviving and cleansing power of fire. Fallas is celebrated for several days starting on March 1st. The holiday opens with a pyrotechnic show, and a 14-meter figure of the Saint, decorated with flowers, is installed in the central square. The culmination of the holiday is the mass burning of doll figures in bonfires and a joyful celebration with dancing. The holiday ends on March 19. There is even a museum dedicated to him in the city, which displays the best fallas dolls that escaped acquaintance with the festive fire. The museum is always very crowded, which is associated not only with its popularity, but also with affordable entry prices.
Along with historical attractions and museums, the modern appearance of Valencia is made up of numerous restaurants, markets, buildings of modern architecture, botanical and oceanographic parks, and much more that makes this spanish city a place attractive to tourists.
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Today Valencia is one of the best Spanish resorts, whose beaches are clean and comfortable. When planning a trip to Valencia, you should not go for 2-4 days. In such a short period of time you will not have time to see at least half of all amazing places and local attractions.
Your guide to Valencia
All Spaniards love fiesta and fun, and the Valencian region has many ancient and fun traditions. If you are planning to come to Valencia, read about the most significant, funniest, interesting, incredible and crazy holidays of our Region: Fallas, Tomatina, Moors and Christians, La Corda, etc.
Valencia, built over 2,000 years ago on the banks of the Turia River and surrounded by fertile lands, is the capital of the Valencian region (Comunidad Valenciana) and the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.
The Autonomous Valencian Region or Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana) is divided into 3 provinces: Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. The capitals of the three provinces have the same names - the cities of Castellon, Valencia and Alicante.
Currently, the population of Valencia is 800 thousand people.
Central squares of Valencia and attractions near them:
1. Plaza de la Virgen (Our Lady's Square)– This lively square in the city center was the center of life in the Roman city of Valentia many centuries ago. The Roman Forum was located here, as is recalled by the marble tablet in the center of the square. Plaza de la Virgen, always crowded and lively, is surrounded by cafes and ancient buildings.
The fountain in the center of Notre Dame Square glorifies the Turia River. The dry and hot climate of Valencia makes artificial irrigation of the soil necessary. In the center of the fountain lies the river god Turia. The deity is surrounded by eight naked young girls with typical Valencian hairstyles. The girls represent the eight irrigation canals of the Turia River.
In one of the buildings, a Gothic mansion from the late 15th century, the Government of the Valencian Region works. Palau de la Generalitat or the Government Palace of the Valencian Region located at the very beginning of the Street of the Knights (Calle de Caballeros). A curious feature of this building with two absolutely symmetrical towers is that one of the palace towers was built in the Middle Ages, and the other was completed in the 1950s of the 20th century. The towers are decorated with the flags of Spain and the Valencian region. The Government Palace can be visited by prior arrangement with the Administration about the visit.
Street of the Knights (Calle de Caballeros), one of the central and oldest streets of Valencia, was the most prestigious area to live in the Middle Ages, so on this street and in the narrow alleys you will find many Gothic palaces and mansions of the 15th-17th centuries.
Now Calle de Caballeros is the center of nightlife in Valencia; on weekdays, tourists and residents of Valencia go to have lunch or dinner in the restaurants located on this street, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Street of the Knights is full of young people partying; on weekends, bars and discos are open until late at night. .
Also in Notre Dame Square you will see a church with bright blue tiled domes typical of the Valencian Region. This is the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Rejected. The Holy Virgin, Patron of the Misfits, is also the Patroness of Valencia.
Returning to the Plaza de la Virgen - the main attraction of this square is the Main Cathedral of Valencia (La Catedral de Valencia) - a huge Gothic style cathedral built in the Middle Ages. Construction of the Cathedral began in the 13th century, shortly after the conquest of Valencia by Christians, and continued for several centuries.
The cathedral is built in the shape of a Latin cross and has 3 entrances, made in different centuries. In the Plaza de la Virgen there is the oldest, Gothic entrance to the Cathedral, called the Entrance of the Apostles (Puerta de los Apostoles) in honor of the figures of the 12 apostles decorating the entrance to the Cathedral. Try to find the ancient coat of arms of the city of Valencia, decorating one of the walls of the Entrance of the Apostles!
Water Tribunal (Tribunal de las Aguas, Valencia). Every Thursday at noon, the oldest European court, the Water Tribunal, meets at the Entrance of the Apostles. Judges dressed in typical Valencian costumes adjudicate conflicts over the use of water from the Turia River canals. The entire trial is conducted orally in the Valencian language, but the oral verdicts of the judges of the Water Tribunal have full legal force. This curious custom of oral court dates back more than 1000 years of history and is studied in the law faculties of all European universities. Once upon a time in the Middle Ages, when the suburbs of Valencia lived by agriculture, this court was of great practical importance. Now the last judges of the Water Tribunal are already old men, and the court itself has become a tradition. Despite this, decisions made by the Water Tribunal have full legal force.
The main Cathedral of Valencia, despite its great popularity among tourists, is a functioning temple and on Sundays services are held in the Cathedral.
Tourists can enter the Cathedral through the main and most modern entrance - the Iron Gate Entrance (Puerta de los Hierros), located on the side of the neighboring Plaza de la Reina.
Inside the Cathedral the greatest interest is Capilla of the Holy Grail(Capilla de Santo Caliz), where you can see the main shrine of the Catholic Church - the Holy Grail, from which, according to legend, Jesus Christ drank wine during the Last Supper, the last supper with the apostles. This Holy Grail is recognized as authentic by the Catholic Church and was used for the service conducted by the Pope in the Cathedral of Valencia.
Also interesting to visit Capilla Goya(Capella Goya), with two paintings by the famous Spanish artist glorifying Saint Francis of the Borzhdia family.
Staircase of the Miguelete bell tower To the right of the main entrance to the Cathedral, inside the Temple, there is a small arch that serves as the entrance to Miguelete Bell Tower (Torre-Campanario Miguelete).
The bell tower, built at the beginning of the 15th century, is named Miguelete after the main bell cast on St. Miguel's Day and is one of the main symbols of Valencia. A steep spiral staircase consisting of 207 steps leads to the top of the tower. Those who dare to climb will be rewarded with amazing views of the entire city.
2. Plaza de la Almoina (Alms Square). Another central square of the city, adjacent to the Square of Our Lady (Plaza de la Virgen). Almoina translated from Valencian means alms, and the square got its name (Alms Square) due to the fact that in the Middle Ages, beggars gathered in the square next to the main Cathedral of Valencia to ask for alms from rich parishioners.
Plaza de la Almoina has been the central square of Valencia since the days when the city belonged to the Roman Empire. In the center of the square is the very swimming pool-like Museum of Roman History. Under the layer of water you can see the remains of Roman ruins.
Crypt-prison of Saint Vincent the Martyr. Another interesting building located on the street adjacent to Notre Dame Square. The Crypt of Saint Vincent is an ancient Visigothic chapel, later used as a prison where Saint Vincent, the Patron Saint of Valencia, was imprisoned in the 4th century. The crypt is open to tourists.
3. Plaza de la Reina (Queen's Square)– streets lead to this square from both the Square of Our Lady and the Square of Alms. This is where the main entrance to Valencia Cathedral is located. Tourists like to gather here in numerous restaurants. Red starts its route from Queen Square tourist bus, Bus Turístic, using which you can get to almost everything interesting places in the city.
Near the Queen's Square there are two main orchaterias of the city - El Siglo and Santa Catalina. In these horchaterias you can try real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from the fruit of earthen almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink, rich in vitamins and beneficial minerals, which is produced only in Valencia!
4. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square)- center modern life cities. City Hall Square is located very close to Queen Square. These two central squares The cities are connected by a shady street full of restaurants - St. Vincent Street (Calle de San Vicente Martir). City Hall Square, unlike previous ancient squares, is quite modern. Most of the buildings in Plaza del Ayuntamiento were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. City Hall Square, flooded with light and surrounded by flower stalls, is elegant and beautiful.
City Hall Square. Sights of Valencia The main attraction of City Hall Square is, of course, the City Hall building. The City Hall building, built at the end of the 19th century, reflects the general elegant-bourgeois style of the city. The City Hall building is operational, the Mayor of the city of Valencia works there. Also in the City Hall building is the City Museum, which is open to the public on certain days. In the City Museum you can find the Code of Laws of the Kingdom of Valencia (analogous to the modern Constitution), dating from the beginning of the 14th century, the sword of King Jaime I, the founder of Valencia, the first state flag of Valencia, preserved from ancient times, and many other interesting historical things.
The facade of the building is interesting, with sculptures by famous Valencian sculptors and the city's coat of arms, located right in the center of the facade, under the clock. The city's coat of arms is decorated with a bat, the symbol of the city of Valencia. In the evenings in Valencia you can see many bats. You will find images of bats on the facades and interior details of many buildings in the city.
On the opposite side of the Square is the Valencia Central Post Office building. An interesting building in a modernist style, also built at the end of the 19th century. The roof of the building is decorated with an iron turret, as well as two sculptures along the edges of the roof. The sculptures depict a ship and a train supported by angels. At the beginning of the century, ship and train were the only available means of communication for delivering mail to all corners of the world.
5. Plaza del Mercado (Market Square). Very close to City Hall Square is the Market Square (Plaza del Mercado). The market has been located in this square since the Middle Ages, but in the 20th century, in 1927, a new covered building of the Central Market of Valencia was built.
Huge and beautiful building market, a fine example of modernism, tiled with ceramic tiles, with a traditional Valencian color palette and images of oranges. Large stained glass windows on the facades of the building are decorated with images of the coat of arms of Valencia. The market building itself has an irregular shape and two entrances. The market is beautiful both outside and inside. Bright and light, in contrast to the dark, almost gothic Boqueria market in Barcelona, the market attracts both tourists and local residents. The products of the Valencia Central Market are famous for their quality; here you will always find a huge selection of fish from all the seas of Spain, as well as the freshest meat and fruit. The prices, of course, exceed store prices. The symbol of the market is a green parrot, which can be seen on the spire of the building. The parrot represents the noise and excitement that reigns in the market. And at the exit of the market they sell household utensils and giant paella pans.
Opposite the market, on the other side of the street, there is Silk Exchange building (Lonja de la Seda), the only building in the Valencian region included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of European Gothic architecture. The Silk Exchange was built in just 15 years at the end of the 15th century. Construction began in 1498, and the main master was the brilliant Valencian architect Pere Compte. The building was built as a meeting place for Valencian merchants and businessmen, where they could gather, show samples of goods and discuss the terms of transactions. The strict and majestic architecture of the building takes us back to the Middle Ages.
A curious feature of the building is the huge number of obscene sculptures and images of an erotic nature. Medieval craftsmen could give free rein to their imagination, since the building was not of a religious nature. Many of the sculptures are hidden in the elaborate floral designs that decorate the walls of the Silk Exchange.
Another interesting building in the Market Square is Church of Saints Juanes (Iglesia de Santos Juanes). In this church, trials of the Spanish Holy Inquisition took place in the Middle Ages, and cellars with dungeons for imprisoned heretics are still preserved.
Valencia bullfighting square (Plaza de toros) , built at the end of the 19th century according to the design of the Valencian architect Sebastian Monleon, was conceived as a copy of the Roman Colosseum. This area is designed for 12 thousand spectators and is one of the most large areas in Spain. Since 2011, bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia, but still takes place in Valencia. Bullfighting in Valencia is celebrated several times a season, and the rest of the time the square is used as an arena for circus performances or as a venue for the Valencian Oktoberfirst beer festival (yes, it's a copy of the famous German beer festival, but with good weather and a Mediterranean accent!)
Not far from the City Hall Square, next to the Bullfighting Square there is Valencia North Station (Estación del Norte de Valencia).
This station was designed by the architect Dimetrio Ribas and opened to passengers in 1917. The building is made in a modernist style and is decorated with images of the national Valencian fruit - the orange. Visitors from Madrid and Barcelona enter Valencia through this station. In the station building, in all languages (including Russian), there is an inscription “Have a nice journey”, made of pieces of ceramics in the style trencadis.
Turia Park or Gardens (Jardines del Turia) – the unique and most beautiful park in the world of Valencia. Turia Park was founded about 40 years ago on the site of the Turia River. This explains the unusual shape of the park - Turia Park, narrow and long, repeating the shape of the river, runs through the entire city. The length of the park is 12 km. In the gardens of Turia you can see children's and sports grounds, where Valencians like to spend free time. Walking through the park, you can see many bridges, reminding us that the Turia River used to flow here.
At its widest point, in the former bed of the Turia River, is the famous Valencian complex “City of Sciences and Arts”, and at the opposite end of the park, a 1.5-hour walk away, is the Bioparc Valencia.
BIOPARK VALENCIA – SCENERIES OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR IN THE MOST UNUSUAL ZOO IN THE WORLD
Bioparc Valencia is a unique new generation zoo. The founders of Biopark do not like the word “zoo”, which is associated with sad animals in cramped cages and enclosures, so our zoo was named BIOpark.
Gorila at Bioparc Valencia The biopark is located in the most spacious part of Turia Park, next to the park and pond. Upon entering the Bioparc, visitors are struck by the change - instead of the Mediterranean nature and cityscapes of Valencia, before you are the real savannahs of Africa and the wild nature of the island of Madagascar. Here, lemurs sleep on tree branches and walk around like cats, crocodiles sleep with their mouths open, gorillas and monkeys entertain visitors and play with their cubs, and a giraffe comes very close and looks into your eyes. Most of the animals are very close to you, you can stretch out your hand and pet them, while large and dangerous animals are separated from visitors by natural barriers - lakes and waterfalls, exotic baobab trees and streams. And most importantly, the animals in the Biopark do not get bored in cages alone - all the inhabitants of the park have enough space for a comfortable life and animal neighbors for communication!
In the Biopark you can see the main flora and fauna of the African continent - Madagascar lemurs, zebras, crocodiles, hyenas, elephants, hippos and hippos, tropical toads and frogs, giraffes and exotic birds, surrounded by impressive wildlife landscapes. In my opinion, Bioparc Valencia is perfect place for visiting with the whole family, with children.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia City of Sciences and Arts in Valencia
The largest scientific and entertainment complex in Europe, built in the old bed of the Turia River. The City of Sciences and Arts is one of the main symbols of modern Valencia and attracts tourists from all over the world with the stunning futuristic architecture of the complex's buildings.
All buildings of the complex are surrounded by water. Depending on the lighting, the water changes color from turquoise to bright blue. At night, all the buildings of the City of Sciences and Arts are illuminated, and in the Umbracle garden summer season There is a trendy bar and disco.
City of Sciences and Arts in Valencia 10 ideas for a perfect weekend in Valencia:
1. Visit the Main Cathedral of Valencia ( Catedral de Valencia).
In the Cathedral, in addition to beautiful architecture and the sea of antiquities, you will be able to see the Main Relic of the Catholic Church - the Holy Grail. According to legend, Jesus Christ drank from this cup during his last dinner with the apostles - the Last Supper.
2. After, on Queen Square ( Plaza de la Reina) go to an old horchateria and try real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from ground almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink, rich in vitamins and beneficial minerals, which is produced only in Valencia!
3. Go to the Valencia Silk Exchange ( La Lonja) is a place where in ancient times merchants gathered to conclude transactions. The Silk Exchange is the only building in Valencia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Wander through the Central Market of Valencia, located opposite the Silk Exchange building. Admire the well-ordered food aisles and the freshest, highest quality products in Valencia. There you can also try excellent jamon made from black Iberian pig.
5. Afterwards, with your appetite awakened, go to the sea, to the Valencia embankment, where you can try real Valencian paella. For example, you can choose for lunch the classic restaurant La Pepica - one of the most famous restaurants with typical Valencian cuisine, where Hemingway once dined and the King of Spain visited during his visits to Valencia.
6. Visit the Palace of the Marquis De Dos Aguas ( Palacio de Marqués de Dos Aguas) - explore the living room, dining room and bedroom of the Marquis and dream about the luxurious life that the inhabitants of the palace led.
7. Take an evening stroll through the magical Turia Gardens (Jardines de Turia), which run through the entire city and were created on the site of the Turia River. Admire the unusual bottle trees. Meet a flock of green parrots who live in the park.
8. Visit the City of Sciences and Arts (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) - a futuristic district of Valencia of the 21st century, built in the former bed of the Turia River. Appreciate the unusual design of Santiago Calatrava, the world famous Valencian architect.
9. And of course, in the City of Sciences and Arts, visit our Oceanográfico - the largest aquarium in Europe! Watch the Show of trained dolphins and go to the Hall of the Northern Seas. There you will find a loving couple of walruses and two cute white whales. Also in our aquarium you will see poisonous moray eels and many, many fish!
10. Wander the streets of the Old City (Barrio Carmen) in the evening. Drink a glass of red wine in one of the outdoor bars. Being in Barrio Carmen at the end of the week, especially on Saturday evening, you will be able to appreciate the vibrant nightlife Valencia. Barrio Carmen is where most of Valencia's nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located.
Carmen Quarter All this and much more can be done during an excursion with your personal guide. We will show you all the interesting places and attractions of Valencia and tell you about the life of the city and its inhabitants!
Valencia- a city on the Mediterranean coast in eastern Spain, the third largest in the country, the capital of the province of Valencia. A beautiful, cozy and calm city, a mix of ancient sights and non-standard modern buildings, a city with a mild climate and clean beaches, With developed infrastructure for an active life, sports and tourism. This article is about the sights of Valencia and its surroundings.
Architectural monuments
Let's begin with Valencia is a fairly ancient city, With rich history. It was founded by the Romans back in 138 BC and during its existence changed hands several times. Has survived to this day a large number of architectural monuments, very popular among tourists.
We'll start our short excursion on the sights of Valencia from what is worth visiting first of all, from the Old Town, the watchtowers of Torres de Serranos, built in the 14th century and serving as the entrance gate to the city.
Historical city center – Square of the Holy Virgin Mary.
On the square there are:
- Water Tribunal Fountain, symbolizing the Turia River and the seven irrigation canals that originated in it;
- ancient gothic building of the Palace of the Generalitat, built in the 15th-16th centuries, which now houses the provincial government;
- Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary XVII century;
- Valencia Cathedral– one of the main attractions of the city. Its construction began in 1262 and continued intermittently throughout the 13th – 15th centuries. One of the three gates of the Cathedral – the Apostolic Gate – opens onto the Square of the Holy Virgin Mary. The cathedral is also famous for the fact that it preserves the Holy Grail.
A must visit Central Market on Market Square, one of the busiest places in the city. The huge market building in the modernist style was built at the beginning XX century. Near the market it is interesting to see the Gothic building of the Silk Exchange of the 15th century, as well as the Church of San Juan, in the basements of which the courts of the medieval Inquisition were held and torture was applied to prisoners.
Squares of Valencia
In addition to those already mentioned, several more squares of the city can be included:
- City Assembly Square– a traditional gathering place for tourists, where all excursions begin; here is the City Hall, the Museum of the History of the City, and a large flower market;
- Queen's Square and Miguelet Bell Tower(height – 68 m), from the upper tier of which you can view the panorama of the city;
- Toros Square with a bullfighting museum, a bullfighting school and a large working bullring;
- Tetouan Square With royal palace Cervello and the monastery of Santo Domingo;
- Almoina Square, where the found remains of buildings from the period of Roman rule are demonstrated.
Bell tower of Miguelet
Parks
Valencia is a city with rich vegetation, one of the greenest in the world. Moreover, the vegetation here is very diverse - from palm trees and citrus fruits to cacti and ficus. The city has several beautiful parks, unique in their kind.
- Turia Gardens– a unique park, laid out on the site of the old bed of the Turia River and repeating its shape. The park permeates the entire city, its total length is 12 km. There are always a lot of people here - locals spending their leisure time, tourists. In one of the parts of the Turia Gardens there is a Biopark - a new type of zoo. Its territory of more than 100,000 square meters contains vegetation and animal world(more than 250 species) of the African savanna and the island of Madagascar.
- Royal Gardens – beautiful park Valencia with a pond, a lot of plants and even a biogarden with animals and exotic birds. There is a large children's playground with attractions and a roller skating area, next to the Museum. fine arts, which you can visit after a walk in the park.
- Montforte Garden– charming landscape park with a labyrinth, alleys, sculptures and fountains, awarded the title of National Art Park.
- Parque de la Glorieta known for its large collection of interesting plants and trees.
Montforte Garden
Turia Gardens
City of Science and Arts
City of Science and Arts- a gigantic cultural and entertainment complex in the Turia Gardens park, an outstanding example of modern architecture. The complex was put into operation in 1998, its components:
- Opera theatre;
- a museum of science and technology, where all exhibits can be touched and put into action;
- garden gallery;
- cinema and planetarium;
- L’Oceanografic Oceanarium is the largest in Europe, with a huge amount species of marine animals and fish. Consists of several pavilions, a dolphinarium and an underwater restaurant.
Oceanarium L'Oceanografic
Museums of Valencia
Choose the museum of the genre that interests you. There is a lot to see here - in total there are 34 museums of different types. Most visited by tourists:
- Military Museum;
- Museum of Science and Technology;
- Historical Museum of Valencia;
- Patriarch Museum (painting);
- Museum of Fine Arts (painting);
- González Martí Ceramics Museum;
- gallery of contemporary arts.
González Martí Ceramics Museum
Beaches
The weather in Valencia is almost always sunny, hence the city's nickname - "House of Sun". Precipitation is rare. Average monthly temperature: from +16 °C in winter to +30 °C in summer. The pleasant climate and sunny weather are conducive to beach holiday almost all year round - from April to October. There are plenty of clean and cozy beaches with white sand and picturesque views both in the city and beyond. Holidays here are a pleasure - the infrastructure of excursion and sports tourism is very developed.
What to see from the attractions located near Valencia:
- Take a trip to national park Albufera– a nature reserve with a lake, located just 10 km from the city. Here you can have a good time admiring nature, listen to the singing of many birds, ride a boat on the lake, and also taste signature dishes local cuisine– paella and stewed potatoes with eel.
- You can relax on one of the many beaches around the city: Malvarossa, El Saler, Pinedo, El Recati- or go on an excursion to one of the cities located around Valencia at a distance of 65 km (Gandia) to 200 km (Alicante).
What can a tourist see in Valencia on his own in 2 days?
The concentration of attractions and interesting places in the city and surrounding area is so high that in order to visit everything leisurely, ideally need 7 to 10 days. Considering the limited time of most tourists, I recommend a route of what you can see in Valencia and the surrounding area in two days.
What to see in Valencia on day 1:
- City Assembly Square(Ayuntamiento): City Hall, History Museum, Flower Market, tourist centre(take a city map);
- Bank of Valencia;
- Parc de la Glorieta;
- Market Square: Central Market, Silk Exchange, San Juan Church;
- Round Square; Queen's Square: Cathedral, Miguelete Tower;
- Square of the Holy Virgin Mary: fountain of the Water Tribunal, Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary;
- Almoina Square: remains of Roman buildings, Knitted House;
- Torres de Serranos towers;
- Tetouan Square: Monastery of Santo Domingo, Palace of Servello;
- Alfonso V Square: monument to King Jaime I;
- Puerta de la Mar portal: replica of the Royal Gate;
- Toros Square: bullring, bullfighting museum, North Station.
Toros Square
Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia, located in the very center of the city. The square is the center of political, social and cultural life Valencia, a favorite holiday destination for residents and visitors of the city. The history of the square dates back to the 13th century, when, by order of King Jaime I the Conqueror, the monastery of St. Francis was built on this site. After its abolition in 1835, the monastery buildings were demolished, and a public garden was laid out in the vacant space. After the Valencia City Council moved into the building of the former royal House of Education, built on the square in 1758-1763, in 1860, the square began to be actively developed. In the first half of the 20th century, the main façade of the Town Hall was built, facing the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is designed in the Renaissance style with Baroque elements and designed by the architects Carlos Carbonell and Francisco Mora Berenguer. The main façade of the Valencian Town Hall consists of a central part and two side wings with corner round towers. The central part is crowned by a three-story tower with a clock, a balcony and a carillon. There are square towers on either side of the clock tower. In the center of the façade there is a large stone balcony, from which during national holidays representatives of the city government make official speeches and address the residents of Valencia. In 1913-1922 on east side square, the building of the Palace of Communications was erected. The General Post Office building, built in an eclectic style and designed by the Zaragoza architect Miguel Angel Navarro Perez, is one of the architectural monuments of Valencia. The building is crowned by a 30-meter steel structure (a copy of the TV tower that previously stood here), on which is equipped Observation deck. In 1935-1941, the Trade Assembly was built on the square - another building in the eclectic style, the facade of which is decorated with high arches. Next to it is the Rialto House, designed by the Barcelona architect Caetano Borso di Carminati in 1939. The building is considered one of the brightest examples of Spanish rationalism; it houses the Rialto Theater, a cinema, a music hall, a film library, a cafe and a restaurant. In the northern part of the square there is a round fountain and a monument to Francesc de Vinata, a prominent Valencian statesman who lived in the 14th century. During its history, the square changed its name several times - until 1840 it was called Saint Francis Square, then it was renamed to General Espartero Square, Isabel II Square and again to Saint Francis Square. During the dictatorship of Franco, it was known as Plaza Caudillo (Caudillo of the Spanish State - the official title of Franco), since 1979 it began to be called Plaza Valencia and only in 1987 received its current name - Town Hall Square. These days, Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most crowded and picturesque in the city. During the holidays, it hosts massive shows and performances. The Fallas festival (the main holiday of Valencia) is especially impressive - fireworks, colorful illuminations, lots of flowers and, of course, burning a giant papier-mâché doll placed in the center of the square.
It ranks third in population after the capital of Spain, Madrid, and. Even in ancient times, these lands were known for their profitable geographical location, which attracted the constant gaze of many empires to Valencia.
Now it is a famous Mediterranean resort with stunning architecture. These regions have a very mild climate and beautiful beaches, which attracts many tourists here all year round. keeps to this day famous monuments architecture and art.
Story
For five centuries in a row, the lands of the Valencia region belonged to Muslims. Arabs made up a third of the population. However, to this day from them Not as many traces have survived as, for example, in Andalusia.
From sources ancient history it is known that the Arabs were extremely inventive in agriculture. When they were expelled from these territories, the lands of Valencia began to decline,passed to the Aragonese crown and became the capital of the kingdom of the same name. These times were marked by strong development of the region, which reached its peak by the 16th century. During this period, the majestic buildings of the Palace, the Cathedral, as well as the Silk Exchange and the City Assembly were built in Valencia.became very influential in the Mediterranean, d About 1865 it was surrounded by monumental fortification walls, of which only the main towers now remain. They have hardly survived to this day. Only the gates of the Torros de Quarte and Torros de Serrano fortifications have reached us. XV century Streets , especially some of them - very narrow and picturesque - retain the memory of the distant Middle Ages.
Sights of Valencia
Valencia, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary(La Catedral de Valencia)
XIII-XIV centuries in the Gothic style, symbolic of Valencia. It is located in the old town quarters on the Square of the Holy Virgin. Once upon a time, this was the center of public life, where important meetings took place. The building was rebuilt several times. The Catalan Cathedral-Basilica is made in mixed styles: there is Romanesque 
style, French Gothic, Renaissance, Classicism and the constant Baroque style. It was decided to design the main entrance in this style, and the previous old entrance - in the Gothic style. The ancient Gothic facade of Valencia Cathedral depicts the starry sky, the 12 apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cathedral building Valencia was founded on the site of an ancient Arab mosque. Some historical facts they also say that it was on this site that the Roman temple of Diana was located. Initially, it was planned to dedicate the Cathedral to Saint Salvador, but after the Reconquista it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cathedral Valencia It is notable for the fact that it houses works by Goya, Selini, Borja, as well as many other works of art from the Valencian school of painting of the 15th-17th centuries. In the Chapel of Santo Calis lies a cup considered to be the Holy Grail. The bowl is made of green agate and decorated with precious stones and pearls. It is kept in a casket made by the Italian master Giuliano Poggibonsi. According to legend, it was from this cup that Jesus gave communion to his disciples at the Last Supper.
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Valencia, Plaza de la Virgen- the oldest and most beautiful in. In ancient times, the Roman Forum was founded here, between two tributaries of the Turia River. The central part of the square and its unique symbol is a fountain. The main figure depicts Turiya surrounded by seven mythical maidens, symbolizing the seven channels of the river. The Valencia Fountain is also famous for the fact that many people come here to feed the pigeons.
Since Roman times, this ancient square of irregular shape was the main one, then the Ayuntamento square took precedence. However, it is the Square of the Holy Virgin that has been preserved as the center of public life in the city of Valencia , this is the best place to watch wedding ceremonies. Nearby are the Basilica de los Virgen, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Government Palace of Valencia, built in a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby.
Valencia, Miguelete Bell Tower (Torre del Miguelete)- Gothic bell tower of Valencia from the 14th century, the construction of which lasted 4 centuries in a row. The tower is built on an octagonal base, the perimeter of the bell tower is 50 meters. During the long and difficult period of its construction, several architects were involved: Jose Franch, Pedro Balaguer, Martin Llobet and others. The bell tower of the city of Valencia acquired its finished form only in 1736. From the top of the tower, where the observation deck is located, a wonderful view of the city surroundings opens up. Valencia and sea. The Valencia Tower owes its name to the Miguel bell, weighing 10 tons, which was cast in 1532. The bell was consecrated on St. Miguel's day. The Miguelete Bell Tower is designed in 4 parts, equal in area. In the first part of the tower there is a spiral staircase of 207 steps, the second part was used as a shelter, the third part of the tower with two windows is the “house of the bells”, and in the fourth there is a bell hall. From the top of the bell tower there is a stunning view of the landscape of the city of Valencia.
Torre del Miguelete
Calle de la Barchilla 1, 46003
Valencia, Modern architectural scientific and entertainment ensemble "G""City of Art and Science" (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies), which later became a symbol, was founded in 1991 on the site of the dried up river bed of the Turia River. The very idea of implementing such a plan appeared back in 1989. The Valencia Science Museum project had to exceed all expectations with its grandiose scale and innovative ideas. Two famous architects worked on the project: Santiago Calatrave and Felix Candele, who began construction of the museum in 1994. Now it is the most important attraction of modern Valencia. The architectural complex consists of five separate buildings: Hemisphere (L"Hemisferic)- the earliest building designed in the shape of an eye. There is a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a laser theater here. Hemisphere opened in April 1998. The building is notable for its size and dome, which allows for huge 3D projections. The area of "Hemisphere" is 14,000 m2. The building is surrounded by a 24,000 m2 swimming pool.
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The second building of the complex -L'Umbracle.Here it is Botanical Garden and a gallery of sculptures by famous contemporary masters under open air.
The Reina Sofia Theater (El Palau de las Arts Reina Sofia) is an opera house and stage for theatrical productions.
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Prince Philippe Science Museum (El Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felippe) It resembles the skeleton of a whale and is located on three floors of 40,000 m2.
On the territory of the City of Arts and Sciences there is a bridge, El Puente del "Assut de l"Or, which connects the southern part of Valencia with Menorca Street. On this street is the most high point city - a column 125 meters high.
Oceanographic Museum of Valencia (L"Oceanografic)- with the largest open-air oceanographic aquarium in all of Europe. The museum is designed in the shape of a water lily flower. Building area 40,000 m2 was opened in 2000.
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Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies,
Avenida Autopista del Saler 7, 46013 
Valencia, North Station building (Estacion del Norte)- this is one of the most famous architectural monuments in. The station was built in 1906-1917. using the latest technologies at that time. The structure of the station tent is made of metal. Style - European modern. Thanks to this style, the station building stands out quite clearly from other buildings with its straight lines. The decorative elements of the facade are, first of all, multi-colored mosaics.
Estacion del Norte,
Calle de Alicante, 46004
Valencia, Turia Gardens (El Jardin del Turia) - a park designed in the bed of the river of the same name, which once flowed through the very center and flows into the sea. This one big park in Spain, located on an area of 110 hectares. In 1957, the river partially flooded the city, and after almost three decades it was decided to move it outside Valencia to the south. In 1986, a park known throughout Europe with rich vegetation, flower beds and paths was opened on the site of the river. The Turia Gardens cross Valencia from the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the Bioparc. It is noteworthy that the Biopark is a corner of wild nature, created in a modern city in such a way that the wild exotic animals living here do not feel constrained at all: there are no usual cages or fences here.
El Jardin del Turia,
Plaza del Ayuntamiento 13, 46002
Valencia, Central Market (El Mercado Cantral de la Ciudad de Valencia)- one of the most crowded places in. The market building was built in Art Nouveau style with an area of 8160 m2. However, it is quite difficult to define a building by one style: several styles were used in construction. The architects who came up with the idea for the project are Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler. The market is between market area and the building of the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). The Valencia Market building was built over 18 years: from 1910 to 1928. on the site of two old residential buildings. The market consists of two main parts: an octagonal part where the fish market is located (1400 m2), and an irregular polygon (6760 m2) representing the rest. The 7,690 m2 basement now houses an impressive parking area. The halls of the market building are designed in the form of intersecting streets, each of which is named accordingly. The market impresses with its many stalls, where they prepare food from the freshest and most exotic products, meat and fish of various varieties that cannot be found in traditional stores. Fish and seafood are especially delicious here. It is noteworthy that the building is now approximately 90 years old. Since 2004, renovations have been gradually carried out here, and the work of the market does not stop for a day.
El Mercado Cantral de la Ciudad de Valencia
Plaza del Mercado 6, 46001
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Valencia, Gulliver Amusement Park belongs to the Turia River Bed project and has been open since 1990. The design of the park was thought out by the architect Rafael River and the artist Manolo Martina Sento. From above, the park takes the shape of a person lying on the ground. As you might guess, this is Gulliver, consisting of ladders, ropes, tunnels, ramps, slides, benches and other various attractions for children, and the children themselves, according to the architect’s idea, play the role of Lilliputians.
Parque Gulliver,
Puente del Reino, 46023
Valencia, Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)- built in 1482-1548.The building is made in the late Gothic style.The main attraction of the exchange is the grandiose Sala de Contratacion hall with large windows, decorated with marble of various colors and shades.
The ceiling height of the hall is 17 m, and its area is 700 m2.It is noteworthy that in 1996 La Lonja de la Seda was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once upon a time, oil and other small goods were traded here.
However, over time, silk business began to flourish here.
La Lonja de la Seda,
Plaza del Mercado 30, 46001
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Valencia, Bullring Arena ( Corridas de Toros)- a huge Colosseum with a height of 17 m and a diameter of 52 m, where spectacular bullfights are held to this day, was built in the 19th century: in 1850-1860. There is also a bullfighting museum here. The arena was designed by the architect Sebastian Monleon Estelles and resembles the Colosseum in Rome and the Roman Amphitheater. This is the most important arena in the city, where traditional bullfighting has been taking place for 150 years in a row. Concerts and performances are also held here.
Corridas de Toros, Calle Xativa 28, 46004
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Valencia, Cuarte Towers (Torres de Quart)- the city gates of Valencia from the 15th century are one of the few surviving fragments of the huge city wall-fortress. In the 19th century it was dismantled to expand the space of the city. The towers were built in 1441-1460. On their facade there are visible marks from shelling, reminiscent of the French invasion and the Spanish Civil War. However, the strong structure remained unshaken. In 1931, the Cuarte towers became a national monument. They are named after the road leading to the Cathedral, located in the center, as well as to small town Quart de Poblet.
Torres de Quart,
Calle de Guillem de Castro 74, 46001
Valencia, Serranos Towers (Torres de Serrano)- another example of a perfectly preserved fragment of a gate from an ancient city wall, which once consisted of only 12 gates.The towers were built in 1398. The gate got its name from the name of the Los Serranos road, which led from here to Zarragosa. After the fire inFrom 1586 to 1887, a prison was organized here for the nobility who had fallen out of favor, who were then sent to the monastery of St. Augustine. During civil war In Spain, it was in the fortified Serranos towers that the rich collections of priceless works of the Prado Museum were kept.The city walls were destroyed in 1865, but the towers have been preserved to this day.
Torres de Serrano,
Carrer del Comte de Trenor
Almudine Grain Palace in the Muslim style of the 14th century. The palace building is painted with picturesque frescoes depicting the patron saints of trade. It was here that the Museum of Fine Arts was located, where the works were kept, which were then transferred to the Prado Museum. Since 1996, an exhibition center has been opened in the building.
Worth visiting: botanical garden 1767 - one of the first in Spain; the house of dragons, carved out in a whimsical Valencian Art Nouveau style; the well of St. Vincent - the patron saint of the city, the El Saler golf club in 1968 - the fifth largest golf course in Spain and the 31st in Europe; house-museum of the Catholic Saint Vincent Ferrer the Wonderworker; repository of relics of the Casa de la Rocas from 1437; The America's Cup Regatta Pavilion is the most striking modern building in the port; Plaza de la Reina in the old center of Valencia; Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity; the Fallas Museum, dedicated to the brightest and most important holiday; City Museum; museum visual arts XIX century; Maritime Museum; Museum of Ceramics, the Art Museum of St. Pius V and the Church of St. Augustine.
Holidays in Valencia
The most spectacular holiday in- this is Las Fallas - the festival of fire.
It is celebrated once a year, starting on March 15, the eve of St. José's Day. This holiday comes from ancient pagan traditions and is associated with the celebration of the spring equinox. The history of the holiday goes back to ancient times, when artisans, returning late in the winter to their homes, lit wooden lamps on the windows, which, according to tradition, were burned at the doorstep with the onset of spring and long, bright evenings. Over time, these lamps began to be “dressed up” as stuffed animals and burned along with various household rubbish and old things that were left over from the winter. So the wooden lamp took the form of a whimsical doll (“Ninot”) with symbolic images of some characteristic character. Thus, the doll (falla) became the main element of the fallas celebration in Valencia. Initially, "falla" meant "fire", but over time this name
began to be applied to compositions of dolls burned at the stake.
Another important tradition of the holiday later was the appearance of a theme with a satirical or comic overtone, usually played out with humor. The dolls symbolize various events from history and moments in people's lives. In the 18th century, a new tradition place puppet characters on pedestals. It was at this time that the traditional fallas was formed, which is celebrated in Valencia to this day. Only the dolls have now become much more diverse, more complex and brighter. Now these dolls are made from papier-mâché, wood and cardboard, and compositions from them can be up to 20 meters high. Dolls - all kinds of cartoon characters, heroes of fairy tales and comics - literally come to life on the streets of the city. The compositions are full of dynamism, they can be very intricate and complex, which really boggles the imagination. This holiday seems especially magical to children.
It is noteworthy that the fallas tradition in Valencia was initially well received by almost all segments of the population, especially the middle class, but received clear disapproval among the Puritans. They believed that the ritual of burning dolls on the streets of the city and the noisy festivities associated with it revived pagan traditions in a Christian society and distracted people from work and responsibilities. Fallas is also interesting because during the holiday, ordinary people and people of the upper strata of society united in one common tradition, which blurred the lines of many conventions.
The modern fallas in Valencia is accompanied by a noisy carnival, marches, “mascaleta” (the art of pyrotechnics), endless fireworks and salutes, explosions of firecrackers, music, dancing and songs. On the night of March 19, thousands of lights light up on the streets of Valencia: at this time, the main ceremony of burning dolls takes place.
all properties in the autonomous region of Valencia.