Once upon a time the Moors called Valencia "the blessed land". Centuries later, the feeling of the city has not changed at all, although since then Valencia has become a modern dynamic metropolis. For two thousand years of history, a colossal cultural code has accumulated here.
Valencia was founded by the Romans in the 1st century. Since then, she managed to visit the province of a powerful empire, part of the Mauritanian state and an independent Christian principality until it entered the united Kingdom of Spain.
Within the city limits of Valencia, there are several blue flag beaches where you can enjoy your vacation, and it is also home to the famous fire festival "Las Fallas", which attracts thousands of tourists every year. And the most delicious Valencian paella is probably tasted by all guests of the city.
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What to see and where to go in Valencia?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
City of Arts and Sciences
A modern entertainment complex, a real architectural pride of the whole of Spain. The futuristic ensemble created by Santiago Calatrava stands in stark contrast to the city's historic quarters. There is an exhibition gallery, a museum-city of sciences, a planetarium (which includes a cinema and a laser show theater), an opera house and an oceanarium. The complex has been open to the public since 1998; over the next years, it was completed.
Serranos gate
Ancient city gates, preserved from the XIV century. They were intended for the purpose of defending the city and repelling enemy attacks. Over the past centuries, the gate towers have served as a prison for noble nobles and as a storage for museum exhibits during the wars (the collections of the Prado Museum were specially evacuated here to protect them from possible bombing). In our time, Serranos perform a symbolic function.
Gate Quart
The second (after the Serranos Gate) surviving ancient gate that guards the entrance to Valencia. From here begins the entrance to the old central part of the city. The building was built in the Neapolitan style of limestone and stone and resembles a medieval Italian fort. Several centuries ago, a women's prison was located in the gate towers. In 1931, the building was given the status of a historical monument.
City Hall Square
The square is located in the historic part of Valencia. It hosts important social events for the city. There are several attractions on the square: the central post office, the building of the Trade Assembly and the Municipality (City Hall). The last building deserves special attention. It is a picturesque palace from the late 18th century, decorated with baroque bas-reliefs, figured arches and balconies.
Plaza de la Reina
Queen's Square is one of the most crowded and lively in Valencia. Several large streets converge here at once. The place was named after the wife of the ruler Alfonso XII, Queen Mary. The square is decorated with flower beds, alleys and cozy cafes. On the north side there is a cathedral with a high bell tower. From Plaza de la Reina, the mileage report of all Valencian roads starts.
Valencia Cathedral
Cathedral of St. Virgin Mary, the main Christian church in Valencia. It was built even before the arrival of the Moors to the Iberian Peninsula. During the Arab rule it was turned into a mosque. In the XIII century. the cathedral again became a Christian abode with the blessing of the Valencian bishop. The building was built in the so-called Mediterranean Gothic style. Here lies one of the most significant Christian relics - the Holy Grail.
Basilica of the Virgin Mary Protector of the Disadvantaged
The temple is located next to the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary and is connected to it through a gallery. This seemingly inconspicuous church plays an important role for local residents, since it is here that the image of the patroness of the city, St. Mary the Intercessor, is kept. The statue is considered miraculous, people turned to it during the onset of disasters, wars, epidemics and other troubles that befell Valencia.
Church of Saint John
The temple is dedicated to two biblical characters - John the Theologian and John the Baptist. The building was built in the 13th century on the site of a destroyed Arab mosque after the expulsion of the Moors. In the XIV and XVI centuries. in the temple there were two strong fires, after which the building was rebuilt. The final appearance, which has survived to this day, is a building of the 18th century with an elegant Baroque facade.
Church of St. Catalina
Temple, located near the Cathedral of Valencia, dedicated to the Christian Martyr Catalina. According to legend, Catalina suffered for her faith and wisdom. By order of the Emperor Maximilian, they flayed her skin alive. The cult of St. Catalina quickly spread throughout Europe. The Valencian temple in her honor was built under Jaime I on the site of a demolished Arab mosque.
Valencia Fine Arts Museum
A 17th century building that used to house a school for the clergy. It houses outstanding collections of renowned Spanish artists, including El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. Separate expositions are dedicated to representatives of the Valencian art school - Nicholas Falco, Rodrigo de Auson and others. The museum also boasts canvases by renowned Italian and Dutch masters.
Palace of the Marquis Dos Aguas
The palace is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The building is adorned with an intricate and sumptuous Baroque façade, a true work of art. The interiors are also decorated with special splendor. The palace houses a museum of ceramics, where several thousand exhibits are exhibited. Here you can find unique ceramics dating back to the 16th century. Also presented are jewelry collections, furniture and interior items.
Generalidad palace
The seat of the government of the Autonomous Region of Valencia, open to tourists at certain times. The construction of the palace was started in the 15th century by order of the Council of Deputies. The northern facade of the building faces the Plaza de Manises, on the opposite side there is a cozy, picturesque garden. The Generalidad underwent a large-scale reconstruction in the middle of the 20th century and has almost preserved its original appearance.
Longja de la Seda (silk exchange)
An architectural complex consisting of several buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries. This is an outstanding creation of Spanish architects. In the Middle Ages, silk was traded on the territory of the complex. The ensemble includes a tower, an orange courtyard, a meeting room and the main columned hall, in which commercial transactions were carried out directly. In this room, the rules of trade in Latin are carved on the floor of multicolored marble.
North station
Main city station, where trains arrive from Madrid. The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century in the Southern Art Nouveau style with some pretentiousness and pomp. The interiors are originally decorated with tiles, tiles, mosaics, colored stained glass windows and images of fruits. Architect Demetrio Ribes worked on the project. Perhaps he was trying to capture the image of a blooming garden in stone.
Plaza de Toros (bullring)
Large round arena amphitheater for bullfighting. Located next to the Gare du Nord. The site was designed in the 19th century by Sebastian Monleon. The diameter of the arena is 52 meters, the capacity is up to 16 thousand spectators. The best bullfighters perform here, and about 25 fights are held annually.Inside there is a bullfighting museum, where you can learn about the history and features of this national show.
Central market
A large grocery market where products from all over the region are brought. Here are the best farms in the Autonomous Region of Valencia. The counters sell dozens of varieties of cheese and jamon, sweets, fish, seafood, nuts, ingredients for making paella. The market is always busy and noisy. The building itself, where the shops are located, is a picturesque structure with colored stained-glass windows and wrought-iron bars.
Columbus market
An Art Nouveau marketplace, named after the great discoverer, but having nothing to do with him. Here you can not only buy fresh food or souvenirs, but also have a delicious meal or taste the countless and varied tapas. On holidays, the market transforms and becomes a concert arena where various performances are performed.
Turia River Gardens
A huge park complex in the former bed of the river. Turia, which stretches across the city. It consists of several zones, which include the Royal Gardens, the City of Arts and Sciences and the Botanical Gardens. In the middle of the 20th century, after another major flood, the authorities decided to change the course of the Turia River, and in the resulting place they organized a green park zone (at first they planned to build a road). This is how the modern Gardens appeared.
Bioparc Valencia
A progressive city zoo, where the most natural and comfortable conditions are created for animals. Opened to the public in 2008. There are no fenced enclosures or cages in the biopark, so animals can move freely over a large area. Visitors are not allowed to feed or touch the zoo's inhabitants. The territory is divided into several zones, where animals from different continents are located.
Albufera Natural Park
The lake in the vicinity of Valencia and the swampy areas around it, which the locals call "the little sea". This is a habitat for a large number of waterfowl. They nest here in flocks and are not at all afraid of people. In Albufera Park, there are several species listed in the Red Book. The best way to explore the natural beauty of the area is to take a boat tour.
