Town Hall Square - one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia, located in the heart of the city. The square is the center of the political, social and cultural life of Valencia, a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests 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 buildings of the monastery were demolished, and a square was laid out in the vacated place. After the City Council of Valencia 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 built up. In the first half of the 20th century, the main facade of the Town Hall was built, overlooking the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is made in the Renaissance style with Baroque elements designed by the architects Carlos Carbonella and Francisco Mora Berenguer. The main facade of the Valencian City Hall consists of a central part and two side wings with corner round towers. The central part is crowned with a three-storey clock tower, a balcony and a carillon. There are square towers on either side of the clock tower. In the center of the façade 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, the building of the Communications Palace was erected on the eastern side of the square. The building of the General Post Office, built in an eclectic style by the Zaragoza architect Miguel Angel Navarro Pérez, is one of the architectural monuments of Valencia. The building is crowned with a 30-meter steel structure (a copy of the TV tower that used to stand here), on which an observation deck is equipped. 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 Cayetano Borso di Carminati in 1939. The building is considered one of the brightest examples of Spanish rationalism, it houses the Rialto Theatre, 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 Francesco 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 St. Francis Square, then it was renamed into General Espartero, Isabella II Square and again into St. Francis Square. During Franco's dictatorship, it was known as Caudillo Square (Caudillo of the Spanish state - the official title of Franco), since 1979 it became known as Valencia Square and only in 1987 received its current name - Town Hall Square. Today, Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most crowded and picturesque in the city, during the holidays it hosts mass shows and performances, the celebration of the Fallas festival (the main holiday of Valencia) is especially impressive - fireworks, colorful illuminations, many flowers and, of course, burning a giant papier-mâché doll set in the center of the square.
It ranks third in terms of population after the capital of Spain, Madrid and. Even in ancient times, these lands were known for their favorable geographical position, which attracted the constant gaze of many empires to Valencia.
Now it is a famous Mediterranean resort with stunning architecture. These regions are distinguished by a very mild climate, as well as 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 so many traces have been preserved, as, for example, in Andalusia.
From sources ancient history it is known that it was the Arabs who were extremely resourceful 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 the 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 almost did not survive to this day. Only the gates of the fortifications of Torros de Quarte and Torros de Serrano have reached us. 15th century Streets , especially some of them - very narrow and picturesque - keep 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 is symbolic of Valencia. It is located in the quarters of the old city on the square of the Holy Virgin. Once upon a time, this was the center of social life, where important meetings were held. The building has been rebuilt several times. The Catalan Basilica Cathedral is made in mixed styles: there is a Romanesque 
style, French Gothic, Renaissance, Classicism and the unchanging Baroque style. It was decided to decorate the main entrance in this style, and the former old entrance - in the Gothic style. The ancient Gothic facade of the Cathedral of Valencia 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 place that the Roman temple of Diana was located. It was originally intended to dedicate the Cathedral to Saint Salvador, but after the Reconquista it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cathedral Valencia notable for the fact that the works of Goya, Selini, Borja, as well as many other works of art of the Valencia school of painting of the 15th-17th centuries are stored here. In the chapel of Santo Calis rests the chalice, which is considered the Holy Grail. The bowl is made of green agate and decorated with precious stones and pearls. It is kept in a chest 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, here, between two tributaries of the Turia River, the Roman Forum was founded. The central part of the square and its original symbol is a fountain. The main figure depicts Turiya surrounded by seven mythical maidens, symbolizing the seven channels of the river. The fountain of Valencia 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 the championship. 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 is the Basilica de los Virgen, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Palace of the Government of Valencia, built in mixed Gothic and Renaissance styles. Nearby there are many restaurants and cafes.
Valencia, Miguelete Belfry (Torre del Miguelete)- the Gothic bell tower of Valencia of the XIV 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 look only in 1736. From the top of the tower, where the observation deck is located, a wonderful view of the city surroundings opens. Valencia and sea. The tower of Valencia owes its name to the bell of Miguel, weighing 10 tons, which was cast in 1532. The bell was consecrated on Saint Miguel's day. The bell tower of Miguelete is designed from 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 bells", and in the fourth part there is a bell hall. From the top of the bell tower you have a stunning view of the landscape of Valencia.
Torre del Miguelete
Calle de la Barchilla 1, 46003
Valencia, Modern architectural scientific and entertainment ensemble "G the city of Arts and Sciences" (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies), which later became the symbol, was founded in 1991 on the site of a dried-up river bed of the Turia. The very idea of realizing such a plan appeared back in 1989. The project of the Valencia Science Museum was to exceed all expectations with its grandiose scale and innovative ideas. Two well-known architects worked on the project: Santiago Calatrave and Felix Candele, who in 1994 began the construction of the museum. Now it is the main attraction of modern Valencia. architectural complex consists of five separate buildings: Hemisphere (L "Hemispherical)- the earliest building designed in the shape of an eye. There is a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a laser theater. Hemisphere was 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 swimming pool of 24,000 m2.
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The second building of the complex -L "Umbracle.Here is a botanical garden and an open-air sculpture gallery of famous contemporary masters.
The Reina Sofia Theater (El Palau de las Arts Reina Sofia) is an opera house and stage for theatrical performances.
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Prince Philip Science Museum resembles a whale skeleton 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 southern part Valencia with Menorca street. This street is the most high point cities - a column 125 meters high.
Oceanographic Museum of Valencia (L "Oceanographic)- with the largest open-air oceanographic aquarium in all of Europe. The museum is designed in the form 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 technology at the time. The construction of the station tent is made of metal. Style - European modern. Thanks to this style, the station building stands out quite clearly from the background of other buildings with its straight lines. Facade decor elements 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 course of the river of the same name, which once flowed through the very center and flows into the sea. This is the largest 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 bring it out of Valencia to the south. In 1986, on the site of the river, a park known throughout Europe was opened with rich vegetation, flower beds and paths. 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 the conditions of a modern city in such a way that wild exotic animals living here do not feel constrained at all: there are no usual cages and 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 modern style with an area of 8160 m2. However, it is rather difficult to define a building by one style: several styles were used in construction. The architects who owned the idea for the project are Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler. The market is located between the market square and the building of the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). The market building of Valencia was built over 18 years: from 1910 to 1928. on the site of two old houses. 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. In the basement area of 7690 m2 there is now an impressive parking lot. The halls of the market building are designed as intersecting streets, each of which is named accordingly. The market impresses with its many shops where food is prepared from the freshest and most exotic products, meat and fish of various varieties that you will not find in traditional stores. Fish and seafood are especially tasty here. It is noteworthy that the building is now approximately 90 years old. Since 2004, little by little repairs have been 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, Amusement Park "Gulliver" belongs to the Turia Riverbed 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 Cento. From a height, the park takes the form of a man lying on the ground. As you might guess, this is Gulliver, consisting of ladders, ropes, tunnels, ramps, slides, benches and all kinds of other attractions for children, and the children themselves, as conceived by the architect, play the role of midgets.
Parque Gulliver,
Puente del Reino, 46023
Valencia, Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda- built in 1482-1548.The building is in late Gothic style.The main attraction of the exchange is the grandiose Sala de Contratación 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 Longia de la Seda,
Plaza del Mercado 30, 46001
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Valencia, Bullfighting 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 main arena in, where traditional bullfighting has been held for 150 years in a row. It also hosts concerts and performances.
Corridas de Toros, Calle Xativa 28, 46004
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Valencia, Cuarte Towers (Torres de Quart)- the city gates of Valencia of the 15th century - one of the few surviving fragments of a 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, traces of shelling are visible, reminiscent of the French invasion and the Spanish Civil War. However, the strong structure remained unshakable. 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 the small town of Quart de Poblet.
Torres de Quart,
Calle de Guillem de Castro 74, 46001
Valencia, Serranos Towers (Torres de Serrano)- another example of a well-preserved fragment of the gates of the old 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 Sarragosa. After the fire inFrom 1586 to 1887, a prison was organized here for the nobility who fell into disfavor, who were then sent to the monastery of St. Augustine. During civil war in Spain, it was in the fortified towers of Serranos that the rich collections of priceless works of the Prado Museum were stored.The city walls were destroyed in 1865, but the towers have been preserved to this day.
Torres de Serrano,
Carrer del Comte de Trenor
Almudin Grain Palace in the Muslim style of the XIV century. The building of the palace 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 stored, then transferred to the Prado Museum. Since 1996, an exhibition center has been opened in the building.
Worth a visit: botanical garden 1767 - one of the first in Spain; the house of dragons, executed in a quaint Valencian modernist style; the well of St. Vincent - the patron saint of the city, the 1968 El Saler Golf Club - the fifth largest golf course in Spain and the 31st in Europe; House-Museum of the Catholic Saint Vincent Ferrer the Wonderworker; the relic depository of the Casa de la Rocas from 1437; The America's Cup Regatta Pavilion is the port's most striking modern building; 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 of fine Art XIX century; Maritime Museum; Museum of Ceramics, 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, on the eve of Saint José's day. This holiday originated 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 craftsmen, 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" in the images of a scarecrow and burned along with various household junk and old things that were left over from the winter. So the wooden lamp took the form of a bizarre doll ("Ninot") with symbolic images of some characteristic character. Thus the puppet (falla) became the main element of the fallas celebration in Valencia. Initially, "falla" means "fire", but over time, this name
began to be applied to compositions of dolls burned at the stake.
Another important holiday tradition later became the appearance of some topic with satirical or comic overtones, usually played with humor. Dolls symbolize various events in history and moments in people's lives. In the XVIII century in Valencia appeared 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 dolls have now become much more diverse, more complex and brighter. Now these dolls are made of papier-mâché, wood and cardboard, and compositions from them are 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 is really amazing. 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 revives pagan traditions in Christian society and distracts people from work and duties. Fallas is also interesting because during the holiday, ordinary people and people of the upper strata of society united in one common tradition, which erased the boundaries 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, dances 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 autonomous region Valencia.
Old City of ValenciaYour travel guide for Valencia
All Spaniards love to have a fiesta and have fun, and there are many ancient and fun traditions in the Valencian region. 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 2000 years ago on the banks of the Turia River and surrounded by fertile land, 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 the Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana) is divided into 3 provinces: Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. The capitals of the three provinces have the same names - these are the cities of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.
Currently, the population of Valencia is 800 thousand people.
The central squares of Valencia and attractions near them:
1. Plaza de la Virgen (Square of Our Lady)- this lively square in the city center was the center of life of the Roman city of Valentia many centuries ago. The Roman Forum was located here, as a marble tablet in the center of the square reminds of. Plaza de la Virgen, always crowded and lively, is surrounded by cafes and old buildings.
The fountain in the center of Our Lady Square glorifies the Turia River. The dry and hot climate of Valencia makes it necessary to artificially irrigate the soil. In the center of the fountain lies the god of the river 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 end of the 15th century, the Government of the Valencian Region works. Palau de la Generalitat or Palace of the Government 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 towers of the palace was built in the Middle Ages, and the other was completed in the 1950s of the XX century. The towers are decorated with the flags of Spain and the Valencian region. The Palace of the Government can be visited by prior arrangement with the Administration about the visit.
The Street of the Knights (Calle de Caballeros), one of the central and oldest streets of Valencia, was the most prestigious area for living in the Middle Ages, so on this street and in narrow lanes you will find many Gothic palaces and mansions of the 15th-17th centuries.
Now Calle de Caballeros is the center of Valencia's nightlife, on weekdays tourists and residents of Valencia go to have lunch or dinner in restaurants located on this street, and on Friday and Saturday evenings the street of the Knights is full of hanging out young people, on weekends bars and discos are open until late at night .
Also on the Square of Our Lady 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 Outcasts. The Holy Virgin, Patroness of the Outcasts, is also the Patroness of Valencia.
Returning to the Square of Our Lady (Plaza de la Virgen) - the main attraction of this square is the Main Cathedral of Valencia (La Catedral de Valencia) - a huge cathedral in the Gothic style, built in the Middle Ages. The construction of the Cathedral began in the 13th century, shortly after the conquest of Valencia by the Christians, and continued for several centuries.
The cathedral is built in the form of a Latin cross and has 3 entrances made in different centuries. On the Square of Our Lady (Plaza de la Virgen) 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 that adorn the entrance to the Cathedral. Try to find the ancient coat of arms of the city of Valencia adorning 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, gathers at the Entrance of the Apostles. Judges, dressed in typical Valencian costumes, deal with conflicts over the use of water from the canals of the Turia River. The entire court proceeds 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 judgment has more than 1000 years of history and is studied in the law faculties of all European universities. Once 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 rendered by the Water Tribunal have full legal force.
The main Cathedral of Valencia, despite the great popularity among tourists, is an active temple and services are held in the Cathedral on Sundays.
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 Queen's Square (Plaza de la Reina).
Inside the Cathedral, the most interesting is Chapel 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 by the Catholic Church as authentic and was used for the worship service held 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 Francisco of the Borgia family.
Miguelete bell tower stairs To the right of the main entrance to the Cathedral, inside the Temple, there is a small arch that serves as the entrance to Bell tower of Miguelete (Torre-Campanario Miguelete).
The bell tower, built at the beginning of the 15th century, is named Miguelete in honor of the main bell cast on Saint Miguel's Day, and is one of the main symbols of Valencia. A steep spiral staircase 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 time when the city belonged to the Roman Empire. In the center of the square is a very pool-like Museum of Roman History. Under the layer of water you can see the remains of Roman ruins.
Crypt-prison of the Holy Martyr Vincent. Another curious building, located on the street adjacent to the Square of Our Lady. The Crypt of Saint Vincent is an ancient Visigothic chapel, later used as a prison, where Saint Vincent, 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 both from the Square of Our Lady and from the Square of Alms. It is here that the main entrance to the Cathedral of Valencia is located. Tourists like to gather here in numerous restaurants. From the Queen's Square, the red tourist bus, Bus Turístic, starts its route, using which you can get to almost all interesting places in the city.
Near the Queen's Square are the two main orcharias of the city - El Siglo and Santa Catalina. In these horchaterias you can taste the real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from ground almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink rich in vitamins and useful 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 the Queen's Square. These two central squares of the city are connected by a shady street full of restaurants - St. Vincent Street (Calle de San Vicente Martir). City Hall Square, unlike the previous old 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 graceful and beautiful.
City Hall Square. Sights of Valencia The main attraction of the City Hall Square is of course the City Hall building. The building of the City Hall, built at the end of the 19th century, reflects the general elegant bourgeois style of the city. The building of the City Hall is functioning, the Mayor of the city of Valencia works there. Also in the building of the City Hall is the Museum of the city, 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 national flag of Valencia, preserved from ancient times, and many other interesting historical little things.
The facade of the building is interesting, with sculptures by famous Valencian sculptors and the coat of arms of the city, located right in the center of the facade, under the clock. The coat of arms of the city is decorated with a bat, a symbol of the city of Valencia. In the evenings in Valencia you can see a lot of bats. You will find the image of a bat on the facades and in the details of the interior of many buildings in the city.
On the opposite side of the Square is the building of the Central Post Office of Valencia. An interesting modernist building, also built in the late 19th century. The roof of the building is decorated with an iron tower, as well as two sculptures along the edges of the roof. The sculptures depict a ship and a train supported by angels. Ship and train at the beginning of the century were the only means of communication available to deliver 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 on 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.
The huge and beautiful building of the market, a fine example of modernism, is lined with ceramic tiles, with a palette of colors traditional for Valencia 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 Boquería market in Barcelona, the market attracts both tourists and local residents. The products of the Central Market of Valencia are famous for their quality, here you will always find a huge assortment of fish from all the seas of Spain, as well as the freshest meat and fruits. The prices are certainly higher than the 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 prevails 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, is the building of the Silk Exchange (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. 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 merchants, 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 a 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 intricate floral designs that adorn the walls of the Silk Exchange.
Another interesting building of the Market Square is Church of Saints Juanes (Iglesia de Santos Juanes). In this church, in the Middle Ages, the processes of the Spanish Holy Inquisition took place, and cellars with dungeons for imprisoned heretics have survived to this day.
Valencian bullfight squarePlaza de toros , built at the end of the 19th century by the Valencian architect Sebastian Montleon, was conceived as a copy of the Roman Colosseum. This square is designed for 12 thousand spectators and is one of the largest squares 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 beer festival Oktoberfirst (yes, it's a copy of the famous German beer festival, but with good weather and a Mediterranean accent!)
Not far from City Hall Square, next to the Bullfighting Square is Northern Station of Valencia (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), the inscription “Happy Journey” was made, laid out from 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, passes through the whole 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 their free time. Walking through the park, you can see many bridges that remind 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, 1.5 hours walk, is the Bioparc of Valencia.
VALENCIA BIOPARK - LANDSCAPES OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR IN THE MOST UNUSUAL ZOO IN THE WORLD
Bioparc Valencia is a unique zoo of a new generation. The founders of the Biopark do not like the word “zoo”, which is associated with sad animals in cramped cages and enclosures, so our zoo was named BIOpark.
Gorilla in the Valencia Bioparc The biopark is located in the most spacious place of the Turia park, next to the park and the pond. Entering the Bioparc, visitors are amazed at the change - instead of the Mediterranean nature and urban landscapes of Valencia, in front of you are the real African savannahs 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 close and looks into the eyes. Most of the animals are very close to you, stretch out your hand and stroke, and large and dangerous animals are separated from visitors by natural barriers - lakes and waterfalls, exotic baobabs and streams. And most importantly, 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 spectacular wildlife landscapes. In my opinion, Bioparc Valencia is an ideal place to visit with the whole family, with children.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
The largest science and entertainment complex in Europe, built in the old bed of the Turia River. The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the main symbols of modern Valencia and attracts tourists from all over the world with the stunning futuristic architecture of the buildings of the complex.
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 Arts and Sciences are illuminated, and a trendy bar and disco is open in the Umbracle Garden during the summer season.
City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia 10 ideas for the perfect weekend in Valencia:
1. Visit the Main Cathedral of Valencia ( Catedral de Valencia).
In the Cathedral, in addition to beautiful architecture and a sea of antiquities, you can see the Main Relic of the Catholic Church - the Holy Grail. According to legend, Jesus Christ drank from this cup during his last supper with the apostles - the Last Supper.
2. After, on the Queen's Square ( Plaza de la Reina) go to the old horchateria and try the real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from ground almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink rich in vitamins and useful minerals, which is produced only in Valencia!
3. Go to the Valencia Silk Exchange ( La Lonja) - a place where in ancient times merchants gathered to conclude deals. The Silk Exchange is the only building in Valencia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Wander around the Central Market of Valencia, located right in front of the Silk Exchange building. Admire the slender food aisles and the freshest and highest quality produce in Valencia. There you can also try excellent black Iberian pig ham.
5. Then, with an awakened appetite, go to the sea, to the embankment of Valencia, 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 where the King of Spain visited during his visits to Valencia.
6. Visit the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas ( Palacio de Marques de Dos Aguas) - examine the living room, dining room and bedroom of the Marquis and dream about the luxurious life that the inhabitants of the palace led.
7. Walk in the evening through the magical gardens of Turia (Jardines de Turia), passing through the whole city and created on the site of the Turia River. Admire the unusual bottle trees. Meet a flock of green parrots - the inhabitants of the park.
8. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences (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 uniqueness of the project of Santiago Calatrava, the world-famous Valencian architect.
9. And of course, in the City of Sciences and Arts, visit our Oceanográfico - the largest oceanarium in Europe! See the Show of trained dolphins and go to the Hall of the North Seas. There you will find a couple of walruses in love and two cute white whales. Also in our aquarium you will see poisonous moray eels and many, many fish!
10. Wander in the evening through the streets of the Old City (Barrio Carmen). Have a glass of red wine in one of the outdoor bars. Being in Barrio Carmen at the end of the week, especially on a Saturday evening, you will be able to appreciate the vibrant nightlife Valencia. It is in the Barrio Carmen that most of the nightclubs, restaurants and bars of Valencia are located.
Quarter Carmen All this and much more can be done during a tour with your personal guide. We will show you everything interesting places and the sights of Valencia and tell you about the life of the city and its inhabitants!
For a long time I did not appear here, I worked and sucked more than that quagmire. But I will still finish what I started, that is, I will add the remaining routes of possible walks around the city. And today, the next step is a walk through the Old City (Ciutat Vela), where the vast majority of the city's attractions are concentrated. So let's hit the road!
During our numerous and lengthy wanderings around the center, I have outlined for myself the best route for exploring the Old City, which I offer you.
Starting with City Assembly Square(1), also sometimes called City Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento), is the busiest place in the city, where the vast majority of all buses arrive. On a huge triangle there is a very beautiful building of the City Hall (2), a fountain, a Tourist Center (3), where you can take a map of the city and many beautiful buildings around the perimeter.
If you move a little away from the square along Calle de Barcas, then there you will find an absolutely stunning Bank of Valencia building(4), which slightly resembles the ornate prow of a sea-going vessel.
We return back to the Square and move deep into the Old City, taking a little to the left and soon we find ourselves on the square in front of the Central Market. Central Market(65) a must visit even if you don't have the desire or the money to shop. The most lively, picturesque and bustling place in the city! Here you can also taste the famous local drink from the root of the chufa plant - horchata at one of the counters, having a bite of it with a fresh bun. Or sit down in an open cafe right at the main entrance (the cafe is a bar counter running along the wall of the market) and taste paella and Valencian wine.
Next to the market building is perhaps the most famous building in the city - Silk Exchange(La Lonja de la Seda) (66), where the merchants of Valencia were stationed in the 15th and 16th centuries, when this city was a center of trade, successful and very wealthy. I strongly advise you to look inside - the interiors are incomparable!
Then we pass through the labyrinth of streets and find ourselves in the most unusual square of Valencia - Plaza Redonda or round square(62). This is a closed circular space with a fountain in the center and souvenir shops around the circumference. Well cafe, of course, also here. A glass of wine and tapas in this square is an absolute must.
We leave the square, go out onto Calle San Vicente and find ourselves on Queen's Square(Plaza de la Reina). Here again there are many majestic buildings early 20th century on the sides and Cathedral (39) at the end of the square. If you wish, you can see it from the inside (admission is free) and climb the tower El Miguelete from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Old city. True, this pleasure costs 4 euros. If there is no desire to pay, then pass by, in the next article I will write how to see the city from above for free. :)
We go around the Cathedral on the left side and get on Square of the Holy Virgin Mary(Plaza de la Virgen) - one of the three main squares of the Old Town and a meeting place for Valencians. In the center is an intricate fountain called Fountain of the Water Tribunal, which was erected in honor of the commission of the same name, which dealt with issues related to irrigation canals.
On the right hand, on the side of the Cathedral, is located Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Defender of the Dispossessed(Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados) (38) - a sacred place for all the inhabitants of Valencia, since it is here that the image of this Virgin, the patron saint of the city, is located.
There are a lot of cafes on the square where you can soak up the sun and knock over a cup of coffee. If by that time your appetite has already woken up, then you can walk a little further, along Santa Ana de Murallos street and in the middle of the block on the left hand there will be a super budget cafe (Spanish fast food) 100 montaditos, where you can have a great snack with sandwiches and salad, washed down with good table wine. On Wednesdays and Sundays, all meals and drinks for 1 euro are actually free. :) On the same street, you can also find the most excellent dessert by looking into one of the 4-5 ice cream parlors.
We return to the Maiden Square and, turning left (if you go from the cafe) or right (if you go from the square), we find ourselves on Almoina squares(Plaza de la Almoina) (41), where the remains of Roman buildings are visible in a glass-covered pit. Here at Plaza de la Almoina, 4 there is a very beautiful Art Nouveau house, which is known as Knitted House(43) or Casa Sancho due to the unusual, as if knitted pattern of the facade.
Now you have two options - you can return to the square and go along Santa Ana de Murallos street to the Turia gardens and walk around this part of the Old Town to Tetouan Square. On the way you will see powerful Towers Serranos (30), which were once one of the 12 gates to the city. Or you can go straight from Almoina Square and end up on the same Tetouan Square.
Tetouan Square worth a visit for several monuments: the atmospheric complex of the Monastery of Santo Domingo (49) and the Cervello Palace, which served as a royal residence in the 19th century.
We move further and find ourselves near two parks: Parc de la Glorieta(Parque de la Glorieta) (54) with a huge collection of beautiful trees and plants and square of Alphonse V the Magnanimous(Plaza de Alfonso V el Magnanimo) (56) in the center of which is a monument to King Jaime I the Conqueror, and along the edges are immense huge ficuses.
A little further towards Calle de Colon (Columbus Street) stands an impressive monument, similar to the arch of triumph - Portal of the Puerta de la Mar(Puerta de la Mar), a copy of the former Royal Gate, which was located in the fortress wall.
Now I advise you to take a walk along one of the main shopping streets of the city, Calle de Colon. If not for the sake of shopping, then at least "for gawking". And I advise you to finish your inspection of this part of the Old City bullfighting arena(6) and Northern Station(7) - a stunningly beautiful historical building that needs to be seen from the outside and, of course, from the inside!
The last two articles are next in line - a walk through the oldest part of the Old City, District del Carmen and an evening tour of Ensancha and Rusafa. Stay tuned, as they say! :)
The historical center of Valencia is original in that it has three squares following each other, and each of them can claim to be the main one in connection with its historical role. But the central square of Valencia is the largest of the squares of the old city. It is called administrative for the reason that the city hall is located in this place, where the city council has been sitting since 1860.
This name is completely new and was only awarded in 1987. What names have not been applied to this piece of land! Dedicated to St. Francis and Queen Isabella, the general and the first president, and other famous personalities of Spain. Yes, and now sometimes there are proposals to rename this area, but they do not find support.
Does a tourist who wants to see Valencia need to go to Plaza Ayuntamiento? By all means! This square can be considered the entrance to the historical center of the city from the south side. In addition, Ayuntamiento impresses with its size and surrounding architecture.
A large elongated triangle of area is surrounded by such architectural monuments as a neoclassical city hall building (seen on the right in the photo) and the head post office. But the adjacent buildings are a worthy accompaniment to two key objects.
In view of the convenient location of the square close to the North, this place has an information office where tourists can get a map of the city and useful booklets.
During and during the national festival of the Fallas, the main celebrations take place in this square.
City Hall of Valencia
Plaza Ayuntamiento is dominated by the city hall (town hall) of Valencia. Part of the building has been preserved since the middle of the 18th century, and the facade was built at the beginning of the 20th century (the first photo of the post).
At first it was a school - the House of Education for Girls, opened at the initiative of the archbishop. When the reconstruction of the building began in 1904, the architects focused on creating the front facade. Inspired by the Baroque and Renaissance, they completely changed the corner pieces and completed them with magnificent domes. A clock tower appeared in the center of the facade, decorated with marble statues:
In one wing of the city hall there is a municipal museum of history, where exhibits are collected in five rooms dating back to the time of Jaime I the Conqueror. Of particular value are also the maps of Valencia created by the cartographer Antonio Mancelli (in 1608) and the mathematician and theologian Thomas Tosca (in 1704). The Historical Museum of Valencia is open on weekdays in the morning.
Fountain and monuments on the administrative square
Fountains have become a familiar attribute of large areas. This rule is also observed at Plaza Ayuntamiento. But the fountain is not standardly located in the center (although there was such a period in the history of the main square of Valencia), but shifted to its narrowed part. It was opened in 1963, minimalist in its composition, but attracts with the lush play of water.
It is curious that in the first third of the 20th century the square looked different just because of the large fountain. It was located opposite the facade of the city hall, in composition with a monument to the important Valencian reformer, the Marquis de Campo. But not only the names of the square underwent frequent changes. Having started the next transformations, the monumental fountain was moved to the street, and the central space was left open for walks and events (the monument can be seen, heading along the indicated street from the station to and further, to). This space is especially actively used on March days, when the Fallas festival takes place.
The administrative square does not bore visitors with monuments. We noticed the only monument next to the fountain - the national hero Francesca de Vinateu, who successfully resisted the division of the Valencian lands in the 14th century.
The monument appeared on the square on the eve of the new century, having moved from the previous pedestal near the church.
If you think about the central city square after visiting the entire historical center, then in contrast to it, it is remembered as more modern and spacious.
How to get to Plaza Ayuntamiento
Those staying directly in Valencia can take the metro and get off at Xativa station. Coming from railway coast by transport, travelers arrive at the Nord station. This station is located no more than 200 m from the square and city hall.
Ayuntamiento square on the map of Valencia
