Valencia is an equally exciting and pleasant city as Barcelona. The mix of preserved medieval relics and modernism has turned the city into a wonderful Mediterranean destination.
Located in the eastern part of Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. The city’s foundation dates back to ancient Roman times when it was known as Valentia. During the Middle Ages, Valencia was significantly influenced by Arab culture, reflected in its artistic and architectural heritage. In the 15th century, Valencia became one of the most important economic and cultural centers of the Spanish Kingdom.
Over the later centuries, the city experienced several wars and political changes but always retained its cultural characteristics and economic significance. In modern times, Valencia has become a major center for arts, sciences, and innovation.
Table of Contents
Valencia attractions
Plaça de la Verge
The Plaza de la Virgen, one of Valencia’s most important and iconic squares, is located in the historic center of the city, the old town.
The square existed in the Roman era and over the centuries became an important political and religious center. During the Middle Ages, the city’s most important religious buildings were constructed around the square, now its notable landmarks.
Three important buildings border the square: the Valencia Cathedral, the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, and the Palau de la Generalitat.
Cathedral
Officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia, it features a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Romanesque architectural styles.
The cathedral was built in the 13th century on the site of a former Roman temple and later a Moorish mosque.
Inside, the cathedral houses numerous art treasures, including works by the Renaissance painter Goya. The Chapel of the Holy Chalice, said to contain the Holy Grail, the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper, is particularly famous.
Its most distinctive part is the tower known as El Miguelete or Micalet, which rises above the city. The tower also serves as a lookout, offering a beautiful panorama of the city.
Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Another notable building on the square, often simply called „La Basílica”.
The basilica was built in honor of the Virgin Mary, particularly the „Virgen de los Desamparados” (Our Lady of the Forsaken), the patron saint of the Valencian Community, and is deeply rooted in local religious traditions and culture.
Its history dates back to the 17th century. The building’s purpose was to provide a worthy place for the statue of the Virgen de los Desamparados, greatly revered by the city’s residents and surrounding regions.
Its exterior is baroque, with a prominent ornate facade and a large dome. The facade is richly decorated.
The interior is equally impressive: behind the main altar stands the statue of the Virgin, adorned with silver and precious stones. The gilded altar, the ceiling decorated with frescoes, and the stained glass windows are also noteworthy.
Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir
Often referred to as the „Sistine Chapel of Valencia” because of its interior.
Its history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier church. It gained much of its current form in the 15th century when it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. The most significant transformation occurred in the 17th century, when it received rich Baroque decorations, including stunning ceiling frescoes by Antonio Palomino.
The building’s interior is the true attraction. The ceiling frescoes depict biblical scenes and the lives of saints with remarkable detail and color. Besides the frescoes, the gilded altar, carved wooden pews, and stained glass windows are also outstanding.
Special attention is given to the San Nicolás sanctuary, dedicated to the church’s patron saint.
Silk Exchange (Lonja de La Seda)
Also known as the Commodity Exchange, it is one of Valencia’s most famous buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an excellent example of Gothic secular architecture.
The main part of the building was constructed at the end of the 15th century, but it achieved its final form in 1548. Although Renaissance elements began to appear in its design, the Silk Exchange is still considered one of the most beautiful secular Gothic buildings in Europe.
It consists of four parts: the tower, the Hall of the Consulate of the Sea, the Orange Tree Courtyard, and the Columnar Hall. The Columnar Hall, nearly 16 meters high and 21 meters long, is particularly noteworthy. Its ribbed vault is supported by 24 slender, twisted columns.
Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
One of Valencia’s most well-known historical monuments, it is a prime example of the city’s medieval architecture. The tower is one of the largest and best-preserved Gothic city gates in Europe.
Built at the end of the 14th century to protect the city walls, it later served as a prison. The tower consists of two hexagonal parts connected by a central arch. This arch is richly decorated with prominent Gothic elements and heraldic motifs.
You can climb to the top of the tower for an excellent view of the old town.
All information can be found here!
Quart Towers (Torres de Quart)
The other remaining city gate in Valencia, also built in Gothic style.
The gate tower was constructed between 1441 and 1493. According to records, the gate was named after a nearby town, Cuart de Poblet, located five kilometers away. The outer side of the towers is semi-circular, while the inner side facing the city is flat. The base and some elements of the structure are made of stone, while the rest is made of limestone and mortar.
The towers played a role in several wars, and the impact of cannonballs and projectiles can still be seen on the building today.
Porta de la Mar
A monument located at one of the city’s key traffic junctions, built in honor of Valencia’s historical past.
The old city gates, many of which were demolished during the Spanish Civil War, were crucial elements of the city’s defense. This three-pillared structure was erected in their memory.
Jardín del Turia
This park was created in a former riverbed, bordering the eastern and northern parts of the old town. It is a must-see as it is one of the city’s iconic locations!
After the 1957 flood, the Turia River’s course was diverted to the southern part of the city, leaving a long, narrow area that became the park. It is about 9 kilometers long, making it one of the longest urban parks in Europe.
For children, the Gulliver Park is a great attraction, capturing a famous scene from Jonathan Swift’s „Gulliver’s Travels”. The central element of the park is a huge reclining Gulliver statue, designed with slides, stairs, and climbing structures for children’s entertainment.
The park features a variety of vegetation, flower beds, trees, and spacious green areas. Additionally, there are jogging tracks, playgrounds, and picnic spots, making it a real community space.
Chapa Houses
This is a block of eight interconnected multi-story, almost square residential buildings in the city center.
In the early 20th century, the eight plots were assigned to three different architects, who, while striving for a unified appearance based on certain main principles, gave the buildings unique characteristics that distinguish them from each other.
They share features such as central staircases and light wells, but differ in facade design and the arrangement of the residential floors.
Central Market (Mercado Central)
Not just an ordinary market, it often serves as a venue for events and cultural programs that showcase Valencia’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.
Built in the 1910s and opened in 1928, the building is a masterpiece of modernist architectural style. It has a large central dome surrounded by smaller domes and towers. The building is notable for its curved iron and glass roof, which provides natural light to the interior.
Bioparc Valencia
This is a zoo that showcases animals in the most natural environment possible.
It opened in 2008 and has been continuously expanding since. The aim of the facility was to create a zoo that allows visitors to get closer to the animals without seeing barriers or cages.
It particularly stands out for showcasing the habitats of the African continent, allowing visitors to get to know animals from the savannas and rainforests, including elephants, gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, lemurs, and zebras.
All information can be found here!
City of Arts and Sciences
This district (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) was built in the southeastern part of Valencia’s city center in the 1990s. The complex was designed by Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela and opened in the early 2000s.
The complex consists of several distinct yet interconnected buildings, each serving a different function. Below, I will introduce the most important parts of the complex.
Oceanographic Aquarium
One of Valencia’s most prominent and visited tourist attractions, it is the largest aquarium in Europe.
The building itself, with its impressive and futuristic design, immediately became a symbol of the city. It is highly recommended for children as it presents the ocean world interactively and spectacularly.
It houses more than 45,000 animals representing over 500 different species, displayed in ten zones, each representing a different oceanic habitat. Visitors can explore areas dedicated to the Arctic, Temperate, Tropical, Oceans, Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate, Pacific Islands, Red Sea, and Antarctic regions. Particularly noteworthy is the enormous dolphinarium, one of the largest in Europe.
All information can be found here!
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
One of Valencia’s most significant cultural institutions, it is a modern opera and performing arts center.
It opened in 2005 and has since played an important role in both the international and local artistic scene. The building was designed by Santiago Calatrava, who is known as one of the leading figures in modern architecture.
The building stands out with its unique and futuristic design. The exterior features a massive, wave-like roof structure made of white concrete and glass.
High-quality artistic programs are held here, including opera, ballet, and concert performances.