What to see
City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is a complex of buildings which were established in 1998. The centerpiece of the City of Arts and Sciences, L’Hemisfèric was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The IMAX cinema inside houses a giant 900-square-meter screen, and regularly screens 3D films and other productions. Another of the center’s fascinating buildings is the Prince Philip Science Museum. While exploring the museum, don’t forget its slogan: “Forbidden not to touch, not to feel, and not to think!” The Oceanogràfic building houses Europe’s largest aquarium and is home to 45,000 sea and ocean creatures of more than 500 different species The Queen Sophia Palace of Arts (Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofia) opened in 2005 and plays host to a range of theater, dance and opera. Last but not least is the Umbracle, which is both an exhibition center and a park, is extravagantly decorated with lush greenery, and full of beautiful walking paths. Be sure to check the City of Arts and Sciences’ calendar before your trip to see what exiting events are on during your time in Valencia.
Valencia Cathedral
A sight which always draws visitors while in Valencia, the Valencia Cathedral was built between 1262 and 1462. It’s because its construction lasted for 200 years that the building boasts three distinct architectural styles, showing elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque design. Construction was started by the architects Francesc Baldomar and Pere Compte, and was taken over by the German architect Konrad Rudolf during the Baroque Period. Standing at 51 meters tall, the La Miguelete belfry of the Valencia Cathedral was completed in Gothic style in 1418. But Valencia Cathedral isn’t famous for the fantastic views from its belfry, nor for the exceptional Goya painting found inside. It’s famed for the fact that the Holy Grail, used by Jesus Christ at The Last Supper before his crucifixion, is kept there.
Loa Lonja Silk Exchange
The building of the Loa Lonja Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) belongs to the late Gothic period, and was built to the designs of Pere Compte between 1482 and 1533. Commercial buildings of this kind have been present in the city since the 14th century, selling a whole range of goods. However as of the 15th century much of Valencia’s commerce was based on the silk trade, and this building is a testament to the wealth enjoyed by the city because of it. As you explore this building situated in front of the Mercado Central and Santos Juanes church, you’ll notice that the Gothic architecture has been embellished with intricate Renaissance-era touches, which only add to the Loa Lonja Silk Exchange’s striking beauty.
Valencian Institute of Modern Art
The Valencia Institute of Modern Art (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno-IVAM) was established with the intention of promoting 20th century art, and since its inauguration in 1989, it’s become one of Valencia’s leading arts and cultural venues. Alongside its permanent collection of over 10,000 pieces, the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions each year, as well as conferences, workshop projects and concerts. As you explore the museum, you’ll come across the paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations of some world-famous names. Sculptures by Pabalo Picasso’s good friend, the cubist-surrealist Julio Gonzalez are among the most notable pieces, as are the paintings of Ignacio Pinazo and photographs of Gabriel Cuallado.
Turia Gardens
Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria) takes its name from the river which for centuries had caused the residents of the city strife because of periodic flooding. After an ambitious remodeling of the area, it’s now where Valencia’s local’s come to while away their summer days. After the catastrophic flood of 1957, the river was rerouted, and the old riverbed converted into this magnificent park, which has become one of the world’s finest examples of town planning. Full of fountains, pools, lush greenery, sports facilities walking trails and cycle paths, it’s a great place to get your blood pumping or to take it easy.
Central Market
The magnificent building of the Central Market (Mercado Central) is located in the heart of Valencia, and despite its touristic appeal, it’s still the market favored by local residents. The tall ceilings and Art Nouveau colors and geometry of the building are the design of Spanish architects Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler, and even though they completed the plans in 1910, the building didn’t open to the public until 1928. It was, however, inaugurated by the King of Spain, and has been cherished by Valencia’s residents ever since. The vibrant colors and enticing smells of the market come from the fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and cured meats, seafood, herbs and spices, and the myriad other products available – the produce is even worth photographing! The market is also a popular spot to have breakfast and is a great place to set yourself up for a day of exploration.
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Though it was established in 1837, it took another 2 years for Valencia’s Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) to actually be opened to the public, but it’s now one of the most popular venues in the city. Though the museum has had several different homes over the years, its building today is a 1683 Baroque masterpiece by the Valencian architect Juan Bautista Pérez Castiel. The Museum of Fine Arts moved to this building after the Spanish Civil War and boasts a collection of works spanning many eras and styles. Along with its ancient relics, it has a number of paintings and sculptures from between the 17th and 20th centuries, as well as some more contemporary pieces too. Among the names on display at the museum are Juan de Juanes, Ribera, Sorolla and Pinazo, themselves students of Valencia’s School of Fine Arts, as well as other internationally recognized artists like Van Dyck, Murillo, Velazquez, El Greco and Goya.
National Ceramics Museum
Valencia’s National Ceramics Museum (Museo Nacional de Ceramica) exhibits a beautiful collection of tiles from the Alcora Royal Ceramics Factory, 18th century carriages, and rooms decorated in the 19th-century style. The museum is also home to a number of pieces from the Ancient Greek, Roman and Arabian eras, as well as medieval artifacts too. You’ll also find works by more contemporary artists, as well as Spanish legend Pablo Picasso. The building itself was remodeled in the Rococo style in 1740, and makes no attempt to hide its ostentatious extravagance. The exterior entrance is decorated with some incredible alabaster reliefs, and standing above the door is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Either side of her are reliefs of flowing water, meant to represent the Júcar and the Turia rivers. The other little figures and details means this magnificent entranceway deserves to be appreciated almost as much as the treasures inside.
Governmental Palace
Nestled between two magnificent towers is the lower part of the palace, and is one of the finest examples of Valencian architecture. The Governmental Palace (Palau de la Generalitat) was built in 1421 in the Late Gothic style, though its towers were added later in the 16th century to the designs of Joan Montano and Joan Corbera. Between 1481 and 1520 the Gothic-style courtyard was added, and a chapel designed by Pere Compte and Joan Guiverro was built facing the Plaza de Manises. The Palace’s second, Renaissance-era tower was designed in 1521 by Joan Corbera, but wasn’t built until 1952 by the architect Luis Albert Ballestero.
Quart Towers
The Quart Towers (Torres de Quart) are one of Valencia’s finest examples of Medieval architecture. Built in 1441 by Pere Bonfill, the two towers and gate were part of the city’s defensive walls. As you look at the towers more closely, you’ll see they’ve suffered damage over the years – scars from the 1808 French invasion. The Torres de Quart and Torres Serranos are the only ones to have survived from the original medieval city walls. The towers have been employed in several different ways over history, even once serving as a women’s prison.
What to eat
Paella
Described as a synthesis between the Roman civilization and the Arab world, the popularity of this dish only ever seems to grow. Along with the dish’s main component, rice, a good paella will also contain generous amounts of olive oil and saffron. With so many possible ingredients, the three most well-known types of paella are Valencian paella, seafood paella and mixed paella, and of these, Valencian paella is the most common. Valencian paella is made with green vegetables, chicken or rabbit, and saffron, and it’s generally accepted to be the original version of paella. It’s up to you to choose the type that’ll make your trip to Valencia complete.
Tomate Rallado
Part of Spain’s tapas culture and found all over Valencia is this simple tomato sauce. All that’s needed are fresh, ripe tomatoes, olive oil and a pinch of salt. The tomatoes are shredded and mixed with salt and olive oil and left to marinate. Then the sauce is spread over a slice of bread to create this simple yet delicious snack. You’ll find it on most tapas menus, and it’s often served with breakfast.
Fideua
Fideua is a dish local to Valencia, and because it’s easier to prepare than paella, you’ll find it served in restaurants all around the city. Though Fideua can be made with several different ingredients, the most popular variety is made with fish, prawns and other shellfish. It’s often served with Allioli, Spain’s delicious garlic mayonnaise, and is easily a match for the international cuisine which is also served in the city. Look out for a traditional restaurant and give Fideua a try.
