Sightseeing Valencia
Valencia is a perfect city for sightseeing thanks to the great variety of monuments, churches, parks and squares. What makes Valencia even more interesting is that the city has been occupied by different cultures and religions. Therefore you can find a fascinating mix of traces from different cultures as the Romans, the Moors and the Christians. Here we will offer you a selection of the best tourist attractions of Valencia, which cannot be missed during your sightseeing tour in Valencia.
La Lonja de la Seda
A real ‘must see’ in Valencia is the Lonja de la Seda, which can be seen as the true symbol of the Golden Age of Valencia (15th century). The name of the building literally means ‘Silk Exchange’ which immediately explains the purpose of this building. The amazing late Valencian gothic architecture clearly illustrates the prosperity of the city in these days. The Lonja de la Seda was built between 1482 and 1548 by the master in architecture Pere Compte.
Torres de Serranos
At the end of the 19th century the city walls of Valencia were demolished to be able to enlarge the city. Only the impressive late gothic Serranos Towers are still left. The towers were built in the late 14th century by Pere Balaguer and served as the main entrance to the city. Inside there were prison cells. Important characteristics of the tower are the beautiful parapets and around the towers you can still notice the remains of an old moat. You can climb the tower and enjoy a wonderful view over the city and the river Turia.
Cathedral of Valencia
The Cathedral of Valencia or Seu was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia Pere d’Albalat. James I the Conqueror ordered to dedicate the church to Saint Mary. The Seu replaces a former mosque which had been built to replace a Visigothic cathedral. The Cathedral of Valencia is built in a beautiful gothic style with some noteworthy Romanesque, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical details. Especially the Holy Grail, that is said to be the true Holy Grail used during the Last Supper, attracts a lot of visitors. The impressive bell tower of the Cathedral of Valencia is called the Torre del Miguelete. This tower was built in the 14th century. The name of the tower refers to the biggest bell, which is called Miguel. This bell weights more than ten tons. During your citybreak Valencia you can climb the tower and admire an amazing view over the city.
Plaza de la Virgen
Please don’t miss the most beautiful square of the city during your citybreak Valencia; the Plaza de la Virgen. This square is built on the location of the former Roman forum. The Plaza de la Virgen is surrounded by the most beautiful historic buildings, including the breathtaking Cathedral of Valencia. Also notice the gorgeous fountain in the middle of the square. Nowadays the Plaza de la Virgen serves as an important meeting point for the locals.
Jardín Botánico
A visit to the Jardín Botánico during your citybreak Valencia will be a very pleasant experience. Here you can walk around through the beautiful gardens that since 1802 belong to the University of Valencia. The gardens are located in the Huerta de Tramoyeres. The plants are used for scientific and teaching purposes. In the Jardín Botánico you will also find a shade house, a pond greenhouse and a tropical greenhouse.
La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias
The City of Arts and Sciences is an ambitious Valencian initiative that resulted in a modern cultural and sciences based complex with great tourist attractions. The idea for this project came from José María López Piñero, a professor in history, and was in 1989 adopted by the president of the Valencian Generality Joan Lerma. La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias was first inaugurated in 1996 with the opening of the Hemisfèric, with an IMAX Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium. Today you can also find here; the Oceanografic, the opera house the Queen Sofia Palace of Arts and the Science Museum Príncipe Felipe. This futuristic site is located at the end of the old riverbed of the river Turia.
Mercado Central
One of the nicest ways to integrate with the local people of Valencia is by visiting the Mercado Central. Here you will find eight thousand square metres with fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The market is located in a fantastic original Valencian style building decorated with beautiful ceramics and mosaics. It will be an even more impressive experience when knowing that the Mercado Central in Valencia is one of the oldest food markets in the world!
Turia Park
A citybreak Valencia without visiting the Turia Park is unthinkable. This enormous park extends over 11 kilometres. The gardens are surrounded by old walls and great buildings. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere that you will find here. The Turia Park contains an orange grove, a park with stunning fountains and various football fields.