Sights of Valencia. Ayuntamiento Central Square and Valencia City Hall Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

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Once upon a time, the Moors called Valencia "the blessed land." Centuries later, the feeling of the city has not changed at all, although since then Valencia has become a modern dynamic metropolis. Over two thousand years of history, a colossal cultural code has accumulated here.

Valencia was founded by the Romans in the 1st century. Since then, she managed to visit the province of a powerful empire, part of the Mauritanian state and an independent Christian principality until she entered the united Spanish kingdom.

Valencia's urban area has several blue flag beaches where you can have a great vacation, and it is also home to the famous Las Fallas fire festival, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. And the most delicious Valencian paella is probably tried by all the guests of the city.

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What to see and where to go in Valencia?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

1. City of Arts and Sciences

A modern entertainment complex, a real architectural pride of all Spain. The futuristic ensemble created by Santiago Calatrava contrasts strongly with the city's historic neighborhoods. There is an exhibition gallery, a museum-city of sciences, a planetarium (which includes a cinema and a laser show theater), an opera house and an oceanarium. The complex has been open to the public since 1998, over the following years it was completed.

2. Serranos Gate

Ancient city gates, preserved from the XIV century. They were intended for the purposes of defending the city and repelling enemy attacks. Over the past centuries, the gate towers managed to serve as a prison for noble nobles and a repository for museum exhibits during the wars (the collections of the Prado Museum were specially evacuated here to protect them from possible bombardments). In our time, Serranos perform a symbolic function.

3. Kuart Gate

The second (after the Serranos Gate) that has come down to our time is the ancient gate guarding the entrance to Valencia. From here begins the entrance to the old central part of the city. The structure was built in the Neapolitan style of limestone and stone and resembles a medieval Italian fort. Several centuries ago, a women's prison was located in the gate towers. In 1931, the building was given the status of a historical monument.

4. City Hall Square

The square is located in the historical part of Valencia. It hosts important public events for the city. There are several sights on the square at once: the central post office, the building of the Trade Assembly and the Municipality (City Hall). The last building deserves special attention. This is a picturesque palace of the late 18th century, decorated with baroque bas-reliefs, figured arches and balconies.

5. Plaza de la Reina

The Queen's Square is one of the most crowded and lively in Valencia. Several large streets converge here at once. The place got its name in honor of the wife of the ruler Alfonso XII Queen Mary. The area is decorated with flower beds, alleys and cozy cafes. On the north side is a cathedral with a high bell tower. From Plaza de la Reina, the mileage report of all Valencian roads begins.

6. Valencia Cathedral

Cathedral in honor of St. Virgin Mary, the main Christian temple of Valencia. It was erected before the arrival of the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. During the Arab rule, it was turned into a mosque. In the XIII century. the cathedral again became a Christian monastery with the blessing of the Bishop of Valencia. The building was built in the so-called "Mediterranean Gothic" style. Here lies one of the most significant Christian relics - the Holy Grail.

7. Basilica of the Virgin Mary Protector of the Dispossessed

The temple is located next to the Cathedral of St. Virgin Mary and is connected to it through a gallery. This seemingly inconspicuous church plays for local residents an important role, since it is here that the image of the patroness of the city, St. Mary the Intercessor, is kept. The statue is considered miraculous, people turned to it during the onset of disasters, wars, epidemics and other troubles that hit Valencia.

8. Church of Saint John

The temple is dedicated to two biblical characters - John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. The building was built in the 13th century on the site of an Arab mosque destroyed after the expulsion of the Moors. In the XIV and XVI centuries. two strong fires occurred in the temple, after which the building was rebuilt. The final appearance that has survived to this day is a building of the 18th century model with an elegant facade in the Baroque style.

9. Church of Santa Catalina

Temple, located near the Cathedral of Valencia, dedicated to the Christian martyr Catalina. According to legend, Catalina suffered for her faith and wisdom. By order of Emperor Maximilian, she was flayed alive. The cult of St. Catalina quickly spread throughout Europe. The Valencian temple in her honor was built under James I on the site of the demolished Arab mosque.

10. Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

A 17th-century building that used to house a school for the clergy. It contains outstanding collections of famous Spanish artists, including El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. Separate expositions are devoted to representatives of the Valencian art school - Nicolas Falco, Rodrigo de Oson and others. The museum also boasts paintings by famous Italian and Dutch masters.

11. Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas

The palace is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The building is decorated with an intricate and luxurious baroque facade - a real work of art. The interiors are also decorated with special splendor. The palace houses a museum of ceramics, where several thousand exhibits are exhibited. Here you can find unique pottery dating back to the 16th century. Jewelry collections, furniture and interior items are also presented.

12. Generalidad Palace

The seat of the government of the autonomous region of Valencia, open to tourists at certain times. The construction of the palace began in the 15th century by order of the Council of Deputies. The northern facade of the building faces the Plaza de Manises, on the opposite side there is a cozy picturesque garden. The Generalidad underwent a large-scale reconstruction in the middle of the 20th century and has retained almost its original appearance.

13. Lonja de la Seda (silk exchange)

An architectural complex consisting of several buildings of the 15th and 16th centuries. This is an outstanding creation of Spanish architects. In the Middle Ages, silk was traded on the territory of the complex. The ensemble includes a tower, an orange patio, a meeting room and the main columned hall, in which trade transactions were directly carried out. In this hall, on the floor of multi-colored marble, the rules of trade are carved in Latin.

14. North Station

The main city station where trains from Madrid arrive. The building was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of "southern modern" with some pretentiousness and pomposity. The interiors are originally decorated with tiles, tiles, mosaics, colored stained-glass windows and images of fruits. The architect Demetrio Ribes worked on the project. Perhaps he was trying to capture the image of a flowering garden in stone.

15. Plaza de Toros (bullring)

A large round amphitheater for bullfighting. It is located next to the North Station. The site was designed in the 19th century by Sebastian Monleon. The diameter of the arena is 52 meters, the capacity is up to 16 thousand spectators. The best bullfighters perform here, and about 25 fights are held annually. Inside there is a bullfighting museum where you can learn about the history and features of this national show.

16. Central Market

A large grocery market, where products from all over the region are brought. Here are the best farms autonomous region of Valencia. On the shelves they sell dozens of varieties of cheese and jamon, sweets, fish, seafood, nuts, ingredients for making paella. The market is always busy and noisy. The building itself, where the shops are located, is a picturesque structure with colored stained-glass windows and wrought-iron gratings.

17. Columbus Market

An Art Nouveau marketplace named after the great discoverer, but which has nothing to do with him. Here you can not only buy fresh products or souvenirs, but also have a delicious meal or taste countless and varied tapas. On holidays, the market is transformed and becomes a concert arena, where various performances are given.

18. Turia River Gardens

A huge park complex in the former bed of the river. Turia, which stretches through the whole city. It consists of several zones, which include the Royal Gardens, the City of Arts and Sciences and the Botanical Garden. In the middle of the 20th century, after another major flood, the authorities decided to change the course of the Turia River, and organized a green park area in the resulting place (at first they planned to build a road). This is how modern Gardens were born.

19. Valencia Biopark

A progressive city zoo, where the most natural and comfortable conditions are created for animals. Opened to the public in 2008. There are no fenced enclosures or cages in the biopark, so the animals can move freely over a large area. Visitors are not allowed to feed or touch zoo animals. The territory is divided into several zones, where animals from different continents are housed.

20. Albufera Natural Park

A lake in the vicinity of Valencia and marshy areas around it, which the locals call the "little sea". This is a habitat for a large number of waterfowl. They nest here in whole flocks and are not at all afraid of people. In Albufera Park, there are several species listed in the Red Book. The best way to see the natural beauty of the area is to take a boat tour.

Valencia- a city on the Mediterranean coast in the eastern part of Spain, the third largest in the country, the capital of the province of Valencia. Beautiful, cozy and quiet city, a mix of ancient sights and non-standard modern buildings, a city with a mild climate and clean beaches, with a developed infrastructure for active life, sports and tourism. This note is about the sights of Valencia and its environs.

Architectural monuments

Let's begin with Valencia is an ancient city, with rich history. It was founded by the Romans as early as 138 BC and has changed hands several times during its existence. Until today, preserved a large number of monuments of architecture, very popular among tourists.

We will start our brief digression on the sights of Valencia from what is worth visiting in the first place, from the Old Town, the watchtowers of Torres de Serranos, built in the 14th century and serving as the entrance gate to the city.
Historic city center - square of the Holy Virgin Mary.

On the square are:

Fountain of the Water Tribunal, symbolizing the Turia River and the seven irrigation canals that originated in it;
ancient gothic building Palace of the Generals, built in the XV-XVI centuries, which now houses the provincial government;
Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary XVII century;
Cathedral of Valencia- one of the main attractions of the city. Its construction began in 1262 and continued intermittently throughout the 13th-15th centuries. One of the three gates of the Cathedral - the Apostolic - overlooks the square of the Holy Virgin Mary. The cathedral is also famous for the fact that the Holy Grail is preserved in it.

Must visit Central market on the Market Square, one of the busiest places in the city. The huge building of the market in the style of modernism was built at the beginning XX century. Near the market, it is interesting to see the Gothic building of the Silk Exchange of the 15th century, as well as the Church of San Juan, in the cellars of which the courts of the medieval Inquisition were held and tortures were used on prisoners.

Squares of Valencia

In addition to those already mentioned, several other squares of the city can be attributed to:

City Assembly Square- a traditional gathering place for tourists, from where all excursions begin; here is the City Hall, the Museum of the history of the city, a large flower market;
Queen's Square and Miguelet Bell Tower(height - 68 m), from the upper tier of which you can see the panorama of the city;

Taurus Square with a bullfighting museum, bullfighter school and a large bullring;
tetouan square with royal palace Servelho and the monastery of Santo Domingo;
Almoina Square, which shows the found remains of buildings from the period of Roman rule.

Belfry of Miguelet

parks

Valencia is a city with rich vegetation, one of the greenest in. Moreover, the vegetation here is the most diverse - from palm trees and citrus fruits to cacti and ficuses. The city has several beautiful parks, unique in their kind.

Turia Gardens- a unique park, laid out on the site of the old bed of the Turia River and repeating its shape. The park permeates the entire city, its total length is 12 km. There are always a lot of people here - locals spending their leisure time, tourists. In one part of the Turia Gardens there is a Biopark - a zoo of a new type. On its territory of more than 100,000 square meters, vegetation and animal world(more than 250 species) of the African savannah and the island of Madagascar.
royal gardens – beautiful park Valencia with a pond, lots of plants and even a bio garden with animals and exotic birds. There is a large children's town with attractions and a roller skating area, next to the Museum of Fine Arts, which can be visited after a walk in the park.
Montforte garden- a charming landscape park with a labyrinth, alleys, sculptures and fountains, awarded the title of National Art Park.
Parc de la Glorieta known for its large collection of interesting plants and trees.

Montforte garden

Turia Gardens

City of Science and Arts

City of Science and Arts– a giant cultural and entertainment complex in the Turia Gardens park, an outstanding example modern architecture. The complex was put into operation in 1998, its components:

Opera theatre;
a museum of science and technology, where all the exhibits can be touched and put into action;
gallery garden;

cinema and planetarium;
Aquarium L'Oceanografic is the largest in Europe, with a huge number of species of marine animals and fish. It consists of several pavilions, a dolphinarium and an underwater restaurant.

Oceanarium L'Oceanografic

Museums in Valencia

Choose the museum of the genre you are interested in. There are places to go here - in total there are 34 museums of various kinds. Most visited by tourists:

Military Museum;
museum of science and technology;
Historical Museum of Valencia;
Museum of the Patriarch (painting);

Museum of Fine Arts (painting);
Museum of Ceramics Gonzalez Marti;
gallery of contemporary arts.

Museum of Ceramics González Marti

Beaches

The weather in Valencia is almost always sunny, hence the nickname of the city - "House of Sun". Precipitation is rare. Average monthly temperature: from +16 °C in winter to +30 °C in summer. Pleasant climate and sunny weather are conducive to a beach holiday almost all year round - from April to October. Clean and cozy beaches with white sand and scenic views enough in the city and beyond. Rest here is a pleasure - the infrastructure of sightseeing and sports tourism is very developed.

What to see from the sights located near Valencia:

Take a trip to national park Albufera- a reserve with a lake, located just 10 km from the city. Here you can have a good time admiring nature, listen to the singing of many birds, ride a boat on the lake, and also taste local specialties - paella and stewed potatoes with eel.
You can relax on one of the many beaches around the city: Malvarossa, El Saler, Pinedo, El Recati- or go on an excursion to one of the cities located around Valencia at a distance of 65 km (Gandia) to 200 km (Alicante).

What can a tourist see in Valencia on their own in 2 days

The concentration of sights and interesting places in the city and the surrounding area is so high that in order to slowly visit everything, ideally need 7 to 10 days. Given the limited time of most tourists, I recommend the itinerary of what you can see in Valencia and the surrounding area in two days.

What to see in Valencia in 1 day:

City Assembly Square(Ayuntamiento): City Hall, History Museum, flower market, tourist center (take a map of the city);
Bank of Valencia;
Parc de la Glorieta;
Market Square: Central Market, Silk Exchange, San Juan Church;
round square; Queen's Square: Cathedral, Miguelete Tower;
square of the Holy Virgin Mary: Fountain of the Water Tribunal, Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary;

Almoina Square: remains of Roman buildings, Knitted House;
Torres de Serranos towers;
tetouan square: Santo Domingo Monastery, Cervelho Palace;
Alphonse V square: monument to King Jaime I;
Portal of the Puerta de la Mar: copy of the Royal Gate;
Taurus Square: bullring, bullfighting museum, North Station.

Taurus 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 profitable geographic location, which attracted the permanent eyes 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 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 in Valencia are built majestic buildings Palace, Cathedral, as well as the Silk Exchange and the City Assembly.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.

La Catedral de Valencia

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 viewpoint, offers a wonderful view of the city surroundings 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. Project science museum Valencia 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. The 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.

The second building of the complex -L "Umbracle.Here it is Botanical Garden and a gallery of sculptures by famous contemporary masters under open sky.

The Reina Sofia Theater (El Palau de las Arts Reina Sofia) is an opera house and stage for theatrical productions.

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. On this street is the highest point of the city - 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.

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies,
Avenida Autopista del Saler 7, 46013

Valencia, North Station Building (Estacion del Norte) 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 one big 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 wildlife created under the conditions modern city in such a way that the wild exotic animals living here do not feel constrained at all: there are no usual cages and fences.
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), which is 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

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 other all kinds of 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

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

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 the Spanish Civil War, it was in the fortified towers of Serranos that 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 arts of the 19th century; Maritime Museum; Museum of Ceramics, Art Museum of Saint Pius V and the Church of Saint 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 tradition of the holiday 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 18th century, a new tradition arose in Valencia to 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 simple 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 real estate in the autonomous region of Valencia.

Visit the bullfighting museum with a bullring. Go to amazing city arts and sciences with unusual futuristic buildings. Try horchata at the local market. Climb up the tower Cathedral. Sunbathe on the city beach before heading to Lake Albufera for birdwatching.

Valencia is a magnificent city that combines antiquity and modernity. It is located at the confluence of the Turia River with mediterranean sea. Once there was an ancient Greek colony of Turis. Later, the settlement came under the rule of Carthage, and in 138 BC. e. was taken over by the Roman Empire. The Roman consul Decius Junius Brutus ordered the founding of the city, which received the name Valentia (lat. "bold").

After the Romans, the Visigoths came to Valencia, and in 718 the Moors. With their arrival, a new stage of growth and development of the city began. During the period of power of the Cordoba Caliphate, 15 thousand inhabitants lived here. Valencia reached its peak in the 11th century when it became the capital of an Arab state.

The Catedral de Santa María de Valencia was founded in 1262. This early Gothic temple was built during the 13th-14th centuries. Later it was reconstructed, and now only the old portal of the Apostles has remained Gothic - the rest of the building has acquired character traits baroque.

The cathedral became the center of the public life of the city; disputes were resolved in it, meetings of residents were held. Now a museum has been created at the temple. On display is the Holy Grail, recognized by the Pope, which is kept in the Santo Calis Chapel (or Capitular Hall). Also here are collected paintings by the great artists of Spain and Italy.

Remains of the defensive walls of Valencia

In the 16th century, Valencia developed rapidly. It became the financial capital of Spain. During this time, many beautiful buildings historical center, and along the perimeter the city was surrounded by defensive walls. Over time, these walls were destroyed. Only the gate (Torres de Serranos) has been preserved - in the north and the gate - in the west.

Square of the Holy Virgin

The heart of historical Valencia is called (Plaza de la Virgen) - the patroness of the city. Once this triangular area resembled an island and was surrounded by the waters of the Turia River.

After a severe flood, the river was diverted from the city center. Only the fountain in the square reminds of her. In the 17th century, the (Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados) was built here, next to it is the cathedral tower of Miguelete (El Miguelete) and the Gothic (Palacio de la Generalidad Valenciana).

City of Art and Science

Valencia has a lot of modern architectural masterpieces. (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), which also became a symbol of Valencia, was created by Santiago Calatrava Valls. Guests of this City visit the Hemispheric Planetarium (El Hemisfèric), the Museum of Science (El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe), the Palace of Arts (El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía) and the gallery-garden (L’Umbracle). In the Oceanographic Park (El Oceanográfico) you can get acquainted with the inhabitants of the deep sea.

Calatrava also created a project for the Palace of Music with amazing acoustics and a comfortable layout of the hall. The ingenious Valencian architect also designed a new bridge over the Turia, similar in shape to a white sail.

Events, holidays, activities

Fire Festival in Valencia (Fallas) (photo: calafellvalo)

In the city, where cultures of different times and peoples have united, many holidays are held. The most striking of them is the Day of the patron, and the most spectacular is the “fire festival”. This is a tradition that has been preserved since pagan times. Fallas takes place in the spring - March 15th. People collect all the rubbish that has accumulated over the year, make huge symbolic dolls out of it, and burn them at night. After that, costume processions and carnivals open. The action ends with the offering of flowers to the Holy Virgin. Valencians bring a lot of bouquets to the temple, and florists create real masterpieces from them. It must be because of this custom that Valencia is called the "city of flowers".