Start at the
Estación del Norte, Valencia’s central train station. The building was
constructed in the early 20th century and is one of the most symbolic monuments of the city’s
civil architecture. Its facade, with patterns of plants, oranges and orange blossom, is inspired by Valencian agriculture and other elements of the city, which is significant of the modernist pressure between local and cosmopolitan, between modernity and tradition.
Next to it is the
Plaza de Toros built between 1850 and 1860,
inspired by Roman civil architecture such as the Colosseum, in addition to the famous
bullfights, concerts are also organised there.
Continue along the Avenida Marques de Sotelo towards the
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the heart of the city and home to one of
the most representative civil buildings in Valencia. On the square you can see
City Hall’s monumental and modernist building, and you can also admire
the Correos building that was built during the beginning of the 20th century. Its interior is filled with stained glass windows and a dome that covers the beautiful ceiling.
Next stop is the
Mercado de Colón, one of the best examples of
Valencian modernism architecture from the beginning of the century. It currently serves as a place to enjoy the exquisite cuisine and culture.
Continue on so that you pass by the
Banco de Valencia building, the most significant work of the
Valencian regionalist neo-baroque.
You will then arrive at one of the most impressive buildings in the city, the
Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, that represents
Baroque Valencia. Inside is the
National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts by “Gonzalez Martí”.
Follow your way and you’ll stumble upon the
Plaza de la Reina, where one of the doors of the
Cathedral is located in it and the
Miguelete tower rises above it majestically. Go up on the Miguelete tower and you’ll get access to
the most wonderful view of the city.
Resume your journey to the
Plaza de la Virgen, through Calle del Micalet, where you can find
the Valencian Cathedral that was built on an Arab Mosque. It even has three
Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque doors. In it is a chalice, which many claim is the
Holy Grail. Just next to the
Cathedral is the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados, the patron saint of the city of Valencia. Take the opportunity to rest for a bit on the steps of the
fountain in the square. You will see that the central figure represents the
Turia River and the figures that surround it have jugs that fill up in the water, and they
represent the tributaries of the river.
Behind the
Plaza de la Virgen is the
Almoina, where there are remains of the
Roman City. They can be seen from the square above through the glass floor of the fountain or entering the museum. Then, continue on towards the
Torres de Serranos which are one of the two fortified gates of the medieval wall that still remains today.
Then enter the
Calle Caballeros where you can find the
Church of San Nicolás, the Valencian “Sistine Chapel”. It is one of the picturesque and architectural jewels.
Barrio del Carmen is one of the neighbourhoods that make up the
historic center of Valencia. It’s an old neighbourhood, which grew between
two walls: the Muslim wall on the east (11th century) and the new Christian wall (14th century) on the west.
This neighbourhood is the place to go for a proper Valencian night, we’re talking about lots of restaurants, where you can enjoy a wide variety in cuisine.
Continue on Calle Caballeros to reach
Plaza del Tossal and then
Torres de Quart, the other gateway to the city, that is still standing today. Then we recommend you head to the
Central Market. There’s all kinds of food that are sold, like
vegetables, meat and fish. It’s a nice experience to go for groceries in a charming market with great architecture, tradition and history. In front of the Central Market is the
Lonja de la Seda, one of the most famous civil
Gothic monuments that Europe can offer.
While you’re at it, you should go all the way and visit the
Plaza Redonda (also known as Plaza Santa Catalina),
ideal for walking around on Sundays. You’ll find colourful markets with paintings, art, music, trinkets, second-hand objects, products for animals and much more.