DESTINATION:
Valencia
The city port of Valencia lies on Spain’s south-eastern coast and is renowned for its strikingly futurist buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. The Gothic and Renaissance monuments of its historic centre harmonise with modernista and other contemporary buildings which have sprung up over the last two decades. From its 13th century cathedral to its vibrant central market, the city offers a lively cultural and gastronomic experience.
Recommended duration - 4 nights/5 days
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- THE SILK MARKET (La Lonja) – one of the most well-known Gothic monuments in Europe. Planned to replace the old market which had become too small, work began in 1493 under master stone mason Pere Compte. The building boasts the famous hall of pillars featuring slim twisted columns which support the ceiling vaults.
- CENTRAL MARKET – a modernist style building constructed between 1914-1928, and one of the largest covered markets in Europe.
- CATHEDRAL complex – built primarily between the 13th and 15th centuries, its style is mostly Gothic but includes elements of early Romanesque, Valencian Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical.
- GENERALITAT PALACE – built in Gothic style between 1482 and 1579, it was added to in both the 17th and 20th centuries. One of its outstanding features is a Renaissance coffered ceiling primarily in gold, reminiscent of the Moorish style.
- MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS – one of the most important art museums in Spain housing a significant collection of primitive art. Including works by El Greco, Murillo, Ribalta, Van Dyck and Goya.
- CITY OF THE ARTS AND SCIENCES – the largest cultural leisure complex in Europe, housed in an avant garde construction designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It comprises four different areas: the Prince Felipe Science Museum, L’Hemisfèric, L’Oceanogràfic and the Palacio de las Artes. One of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
- PALAU DE LA MÚSICA – a modern concert hall inaugurated in 1987 to designs by José Paredes.
- COLÓN MARKET – considered one of the most important modernist buildings in the city. Occupying an entire block, it features a basilica style layout with 3 naves and 2 huge canopies covering the pavements, reminding us of the old awning of traditional markets.
- PALACIO DE CONGRESOS – a masterpiece of architecture designed by Sir Norman Foster.
- VALENCIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART – known as the IVAM Centre Julio González, this modern building contains eight galleries in classic museum style, all dedicated to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- NORTH STATION – designed by Demetrio Ribes and featuring outstanding mosaic work on the roof, walls and floors as well as wrought ironwork and brightly coloured ceramics.
- CERAMICS MUSEUM – housed in the Baroque mansion of the Marqués de Dos Aguas.