I haven’t been here for a long time, I got sucked into work more than that quagmire. But I will still finish what I started, that is, I will add the remaining routes for possible walks around the city. And today the next step is a walk through the Old Town (Ciutat Vela), where the vast majority of the city’s attractions are concentrated. So, let's hit the road!

During our numerous and lengthy wanderings and chattering around the center, I outlined for myself optimal route inspection of the Old City, which I offer you.

Let's start with City Assembly Square(1), also sometimes called City Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento), is the busiest place in the city, where the vast majority of all buses arrive. On a huge triangle there is a very beautiful building City Hall (2), fountain, Tourist centre(3), where you can get a map of the city and many beautiful buildings around the perimeter.

If you move a little away from the square along Calle de Barcas, you will find an absolutely stunning Bank of Valencia building(4), which somewhat resembles the ornate prow of a sea vessel.

We return back to the Square and move deeper into the Old City, turning slightly to the left and soon we find ourselves on the square in front of the Central Market. Central Market(65) is a must visit, even if you have neither the desire nor the money for shopping. The most lively, picturesque and bustling place in the city! Here you can taste the famous local drink made from the root of the chufa plant - horchata, at one of the counters, having a fresh bun. Or sit in outdoor cafe right at the main entrance (the cafe is a bar counter running along the wall of the market) and taste paella and Valencian wine.

Next to the market building is perhaps the most famous building in the city - Silk Exchange(La Lonja de la Seda) (66), where the merchants of Valencia were stationed in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the city was a center of trade, successful and very rich. I highly recommend taking a look inside - the interiors are incomparable!

Then we walk through the labyrinth of streets and find ourselves in the most unusual square of Valencia - Plaza Redonda or Round Square(62). This is a closed circular space with a fountain in the center and souvenir shops around the circumference. Well cafe, of course, here too. A glass of wine and tapas in this square is an absolute must.

We leave the square, go out onto Calle San Vicente and find ourselves on Queen Square(Plaza de la Reina). There are again many majestic buildings of the early 20th century on the sides and Cathedral (39) at the end of the square. If you wish, you can explore it from the inside (entrance is free) and climb the tower El Miguelete, which offers a beautiful view of Old city. True, this pleasure costs 4 euros. If you don’t want to pay, then pass by, in the next article I will write how to see the city from above for free. :)

We go around the Cathedral on the left side and find ourselves on Square of the Holy Virgin Mary(Plaza de la Virgen) - one of the three main squares of the Old Town and a meeting place for Valencians. In the center there is an intricate fountain called Water Tribunal Fountain, which was erected in honor of the commission of the same name, which dealt with issues related to irrigation canals.

On the right hand, on the side of the Cathedral, is located Basilica Holy Virgin Defenders of the Dispossessed(Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados) (38) is a sacred place for all residents of Valencia, since this is where the image of this Virgin, the patron saint of the city, is located.

There are a huge number of cafes on the square where you can soak up the sun and drink a cup of coffee. If by that time your appetite has already awakened, then you can walk a little further, along Santa Ana de Murallos street and in the middle of the block on the left hand there will be a super budget cafe (Spanish fast food) 100 montaditos, where you can have a great snack with sandwiches and salads, washed down with good table wine. On Wednesdays and Sundays, all dishes and drinks are 1 euro - practically free. :) On this same street you can also find an excellent dessert by visiting one of the 4-5 ice cream parlors.

We return to the Square of the Virgin and, turning left (if you are coming from the cafe) or right (if you are coming from the square) we find ourselves on Almoin Square(Plaza de la Almoina) (41), where the remains of Roman buildings are visible in a glass-covered pit. Here at Plaza de la Almoina, 4 it is very beautiful house in the Art Nouveau style, which is known as Knitted House(43) or Casa Sancho thanks to the unusual seemingly knitted pattern of the facade.

Now you have two options - you can return to the square and along Santa Ana de Murallos street to the Turia Gardens and walk around this part of the Old Town to Plaza Tetuan. Along the way you will see the powerful Serranos Towers (30), which were once one of the 12 gates to the city. Or you can go straight from Almoin Square and end up in the same Tetouan Square.

Tetouan Square It is worth visiting for several monuments: the atmospheric complex of the Monastery of Santo Domingo (49) and the Servello Palace, which served as a royal residence in the 19th century.

We move further and find ourselves near two parks: Parque de la Glorieta(Parque de la Glorieta) (54) with a huge collection of beautiful trees and plants and Alfonso V Magnanimous Square(Plaza de Alfonso V el Magnanimo) (56) in the center of which there is a monument to King Jaime I the Conqueror, and along the edges are immense huge ficus trees.

A little further towards Calle de Colon (Columbus Street) there is an impressive monument that looks like an arch of triumph - Puerta de la Mar portal(Puerta de la Mar), a copy of the former Royal Gate, which was located in the fortress wall.

Now I advise you to take a walk along one of the main shopping streets of the city, Calle de Colon. If not for the sake of shopping, then at least “for the sake of gawking.” And I advise you to finish your tour of this part of the Old Town Bullfight arena(6) and North station(7) - a stunningly beautiful historical building that needs to be viewed both from the outside and, of course, from the inside!

Next up are the last two articles - a walk through the oldest part of the Old Town, the District del Carmen, and an evening tour of Ensanche and Ruzafa. Stay Tuned, as they say! :)

Valencia (Spanish: Valencia) is a city in Spain, the center of the autonomous community of Valencia, the third most populous city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, and in 413 AD. conquered by the Visigoths. In 714, Valencia was conquered by the Moors and included in the Cordoba Caliphate. The city was finally conquered by Christians from the Moors only in 1228 under King Jaime I of Aragon. Valencia has a rich medieval history, traces of which are fully preserved in its historical center, which, due to its territorial limitations, allows you to explore its architectural and historical sights in a relatively short time.

One of these attractions is the Serranos Gate. It is one of Valencia's two remaining ancient city gates. The gate is built in the Gothic style architect Pere Balaguer in 1392-1398, and were used both for protection from the enemy and for official ceremonies. In 1865, it was decided to demolish the city walls, of which the Serranos gates and towers were part - they were left due to the fact that, starting from the 16th century. and until 1887 the tower buildings were used as a prison for Spanish nobles. During the Spanish Civil War, the towers were used as storage for valuable museum works and exhibits. Currently, the gates and towers of the Serranos play an important role in the traditional announcement of the Valencian holiday "Las Fallas".

Among the bas-reliefs located on the gate towers, you can find a winged dragon, which was once placed on the coat of arms of Valencia. In 1503, the dragon was replaced by a bat. There are different versions about why this replacement occurred. One of them says that a bat landed on the helmet of King Jaime I of Aragon during the battle with the Moors for Valencia. According to another version of the legend, an arrow fired at the king hit a bat that hovered near him and thereby saved his life.

Currently, a bat crowns the coat of arms of VALENCIA, located above two letters L with a crown above them. The two letters L come from the Spanish word “leal” - devotee. They appeared on the coat of arms of Valencia by order of King Pedro IV in gratitude for the fact that the city twice remained loyal to the monarch during two sieges of the city by his rival, Pedro the Cruel. Now the image of a bat can be found on cards public transport, on the crest of the Valencian football club and in many other places throughout the city, including on sewer manholes.

The central square of Valencia is the Plaza de la Virgen, which was previously the center of life in the Roman city of Valentia, as recalled by the marble tablet in the center of the square.

One of the main buildings in the Square of Our Lady is the Basilica of the Holy Virgin, protector of the disadvantaged, which is considered the “heart” of the city and is one of the most significant Catholic churches in Valencia. The basilica was built between 1652 and 1667, and was named in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary, who is considered the patroness of the city. In the main hall of the Basilica - behind the altar - its main relic is kept: a sculptural image of the Virgin Mary - a statue made in the Gothic style. Urban legend says that in the Middle Ages, when a beggar who had no relatives or friends was buried, this particular statue was taken out of the church behind his coffin, thus seeing him off on his last journey.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a decision was made to expand the Basilica building, according to which its building should have the highest dome among all city buildings. But the civil war prevented the implementation of this project.

The fountain in the center of Notre Dame Square glorifies the Turia River and symbolizes the need for artificial irrigation of the soil in the dry and hot climate of Valencia. In Spanish, the word river (el rio) is masculine - so Turia is depicted as a man reclining in the center of a fountain, surrounded by eight naked girls with typical Valencian hairstyles, who, in turn, personify the eight irrigation canals of the Turia River.

Also overlooking Notre Dame Square is one of the facades of the Main Cathedral of Valencia (La Catedral de Valencia), a huge Gothic-style cathedral built in the Middle Ages. The Valencia Cathedral is one of the earliest cathedrals in Spain of the Gothic period: the construction of its main part continued from the 13th to the 15th centuries, and individual parts of the Cathedral were completed until the end of the 18th century. Therefore, the architecture and decoration of the Cathedral, built primarily in the Gothic style, also contains elements of such styles as Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism. In 1931, the church was declared a monument of history and art.

The cathedral is built in the shape of a Latin cross and has 3 entrances, made in different centuries. On the Square of Our Lady is the oldest, Gothic entrance to the Cathedral, called the Entrance of the Apostles (Puerta de los Apostoles) - in honor of the figures of the 12 apostles that decorate the entrance to the Cathedral.

The main facade of the Valencia Cathedral faces the Queen's Square (Plaza de la Reina).

It is believed that it is in the Valencia Cathedral that one of the most highly revered Christian relics is located - the Holy Grail. According to legend, the cup “traveled” a lot - first St. Peter took it to Rome, then it came to Huesca, and only after that, in the 14th century, it ended up in Valencia. This relic, from which, according to legend, on the eve of his execution the Savior received communion, recognized by the Pope himself. During times of persecution of Christians, the cup was carefully hidden, and only after the expulsion of the Moors and the revival of Christianity in Spain, the Holy Grail was transferred to the Cathedral of Valencia.

In the main chapel of the Cathedral you can see the 15th-century altar, the panels of which were painted by Fernando de Llanos and Fernando Yañez de la Almedina.

The Government Palace (Palau de la Generalitat) is also located on the central square of St. Virgin Mary. The building of the Government Palace is very ancient: its construction began in 1421 under the leadership of the architect Pere Conte. The architecture of the Palace contains a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. In the middle of the 20th century. a group of architects developed and implemented a project to reconstruct the Government Palace building, recreating its original appearance as much as possible.

Walking past the Government Palace towards the already mentioned Serranos Gate, you can see an unusual monument that symbolizes both the “pre-Colmubian” economic prosperity of Valencia and its inextricable connection with the Turia River. In 1957, during heavy rains, the waters of the river, which then flowed in the city center, rose and flooded Valencia. After this, the riverbed of the Turia was moved, and a city park was built in the dewatered riverbed.

Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia, located in the very center of the city. The square is the center of the political, social and cultural life of Valencia, a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of the city. The history of the square dates back to the 13th century, when, by order of King Jaime I the Conqueror, the monastery of St. Francis was built on this site. After its abolition in 1835, the monastery buildings were demolished, and a public garden was laid out in the vacant space. After the Valencia City Council moved into the building of the former royal House of Education, built on the square in 1758-1763, in 1860, the square began to be actively developed. In the first half of the 20th century, the main façade of the Town Hall was built, facing the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is designed in the Renaissance style with Baroque elements and designed by the architects Carlos Carbonell and Francisco Mora Berenguer. The main facade of the Valencian Town Hall consists of a central part and two side wings with corner round towers. The central part is crowned by a three-story tower with a clock, a balcony and a carillon. There are square towers on either side of the clock tower. In the center of the facade there is a large stone balcony, from which during national holidays representatives of the city government make official speeches and address the residents of Valencia. In 1913-1922 on east side square, the building of the Palace of Communications was erected. The General Post Office building, built in an eclectic style and designed by the Zaragoza architect Miguel Angel Navarro Perez, is one of the architectural monuments of Valencia. The building is crowned by a 30-meter steel structure (a copy of the TV tower that previously stood here), on which is equipped Observation deck. In 1935-1941, the Trade Assembly was built on the square - another building in the eclectic style, the facade of which is decorated with high arches. Next to it is the Rialto House, designed by the Barcelona architect Caetano Borso di Carminati in 1939. The building is considered one of the brightest examples of Spanish rationalism; it houses the Rialto Theater, a cinema, a music hall, a film library, a cafe and a restaurant. In the northern part of the square there is a round fountain and a monument to Francesc de Vinata, a prominent Valencian statesman who lived in the 14th century. During its history, the square changed its name several times - until 1840 it was called Saint Francis Square, then it was renamed to General Espartero Square, Isabel II Square and again to Saint Francis Square. During the dictatorship of Franco, it was known as Plaza Caudillo (Caudillo of the Spanish State - the official title of Franco), since 1979 it began to be called Plaza Valencia and only in 1987 received its current name - Town Hall Square. These days, Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most crowded and picturesque in the city. During the holidays, it hosts massive shows and performances. The Fallas festival (the main holiday of Valencia) is especially impressive - fireworks, colorful illuminations, lots of flowers and, of course, burning a giant papier-mâché doll placed in the center of the square.

Old Town of Valencia

Your guide to Valencia

All Spaniards love fiesta and fun, and the Valencian region has many ancient and fun traditions. If you are planning to come to Valencia, read about the most significant, funniest, interesting, incredible and crazy holidays of our Region: Fallas, Tomatina, Moors and Christians, La Corda, etc.

Valencia, built over 2,000 years ago on the banks of the Turia River and surrounded by fertile lands, is the capital of the Valencian region (Comunidad Valenciana) and the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona.

Autonomous Valencian Region or Valencian Community(Comunidad Valenciana) is divided into 3 provinces: Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. The capitals of the three provinces have the same names - the cities of Castellon, Valencia and Alicante.

Currently, the population of Valencia is 800 thousand people.

Central squares of Valencia and attractions near them:

1. Plaza de la Virgen (Our Lady's Square)– This lively square in the city center was the center of life in the Roman city of Valentia many centuries ago. The Roman Forum was located here, as is recalled by the marble tablet in the center of the square. Plaza de la Virgen, always crowded and lively, is surrounded by cafes and ancient buildings.

The fountain in the center of Notre Dame Square glorifies the Turia River. The dry and hot climate of Valencia makes artificial irrigation of the soil necessary. In the center of the fountain lies the river god Turia. The deity is surrounded by eight naked young girls with typical Valencian hairstyles. The girls represent the eight irrigation canals of the Turia River.

In one of the buildings, a Gothic mansion from the late 15th century, the Government of the Valencian Region works. Palau de la Generalitat or the Government Palace of the Valencian Region located at the very beginning of the Street of the Knights (Calle de Caballeros). A curious feature of this building with two absolutely symmetrical towers is that one of the palace towers was built in the Middle Ages, and the other was completed in the 1950s of the 20th century. The towers are decorated with the flags of Spain and the Valencian region. The Government Palace can be visited by prior arrangement with the Administration about the visit.

Street of the Knights (Calle de Caballeros), one of the central and oldest streets of Valencia, was the most prestigious area to live in the Middle Ages, so on this street and in the narrow alleys you will find many Gothic palaces and mansions of the 15th-17th centuries.

Now Calle de Caballeros is the center of nightlife in Valencia; on weekdays, tourists and residents of Valencia go to have lunch or dinner in the restaurants located on this street, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Street of the Knights is full of young people partying; on weekends, bars and discos are open until late at night. .

Also in Notre Dame Square you will see a church with bright blue tiled domes typical of the Valencian Region. This is the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Rejected. The Holy Virgin, Patron of the Misfits, is also the Patroness of Valencia.

Returning to the Plaza de la Virgen - the main attraction of this square is the Main Cathedral of Valencia (La Catedral de Valencia) - a huge Gothic style cathedral built in the Middle Ages. Construction of the Cathedral began in the 13th century, shortly after the conquest of Valencia by Christians, and continued for several centuries.

The cathedral is built in the shape of a Latin cross and has 3 entrances, made in different centuries. In the Plaza de la Virgen there is the oldest, Gothic entrance to the Cathedral, called the Entrance of the Apostles (Puerta de los Apostoles) in honor of the figures of the 12 apostles decorating the entrance to the Cathedral. Try to find the ancient coat of arms of the city of Valencia, decorating one of the walls of the Entrance of the Apostles!

Water Tribunal (Tribunal de las Aguas, Valencia). Every Thursday at noon, the oldest European court, the Water Tribunal, meets at the Entrance of the Apostles. Judges dressed in typical Valencian costumes adjudicate conflicts over the use of water from the Turia River canals. The entire trial is conducted orally in the Valencian language, but the oral verdicts of the judges of the Water Tribunal have full legal force. This curious custom of oral court dates back more than 1000 years of history and is studied in the law faculties of all European universities. Once upon a time in the Middle Ages, when the suburbs of Valencia lived by agriculture, this court was of great practical importance. Now the last judges of the Water Tribunal are already old men, and the court itself has become a tradition. Despite this, decisions made by the Water Tribunal have full legal force.

The main Cathedral of Valencia, despite its great popularity among tourists, is a functioning temple and on Sundays services are held in the Cathedral.

Tourists can enter the Cathedral through the main and most modern entrance - the Iron Gate Entrance (Puerta de los Hierros), located on the side of the neighboring Plaza de la Reina.

Inside the Cathedral the greatest interest is Capilla of the Holy Grail(Capilla de Santo Caliz), where you can see the main shrine of the Catholic Church - the Holy Grail, from which, according to legend, Jesus Christ drank wine during the Last Supper, the last supper with the apostles. This Holy Grail is recognized as authentic by the Catholic Church and was used for the service conducted by the Pope in the Cathedral of Valencia.

Also interesting to visit Capilla Goya(Capella Goya), with two paintings by the famous Spanish artist glorifying Saint Francis of the Borzhdia family.

Staircase of the Miguelete bell tower

To the right of the main entrance to the Cathedral, inside the Temple, there is a small arch that serves as the entrance to Miguelete Bell Tower (Torre-Campanario Miguelete).

The bell tower, built at the beginning of the 15th century, is named Miguelete after the main bell cast on St. Miguel's Day and is one of the main symbols of Valencia. A steep spiral staircase consisting of 207 steps leads to the top of the tower. Those who dare to climb will be rewarded with amazing views of the entire city.

2. Plaza de la Almoina (Alms Square). Another central square of the city, adjacent to the Square of Our Lady (Plaza de la Virgen). Almoina translated from Valencian means alms, and the square got its name (Alms Square) due to the fact that in the Middle Ages, beggars gathered in the square next to the main Cathedral of Valencia to ask for alms from rich parishioners.

Plaza de la Almoina has been the central square of Valencia since the days when the city belonged to the Roman Empire. In the center of the square is the very swimming pool-like Museum of Roman History. Under the layer of water you can see the remains of Roman ruins.

Crypt-prison of Saint Vincent the Martyr. Another interesting building located on the street adjacent to Notre Dame Square. The Crypt of Saint Vincent is an ancient Visigothic chapel, later used as a prison where Saint Vincent, the Patron Saint of Valencia, was imprisoned in the 4th century. The crypt is open to tourists.

3. Plaza de la Reina (Queen's Square)– streets lead to this square from both the Square of Our Lady and the Square of Alms. This is where it is located Main entrance to the Valencia Cathedral. Tourists like to gather here in numerous restaurants. Red starts its route from Queen Square tourist bus, Bus Turístic, using which you can get to almost all interesting places in the city.

Near the Queen's Square there are two main orchaterias of the city - El Siglo and Santa Catalina. In these horchaterias you can try real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from the fruit of earthen almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink, rich in vitamins and beneficial minerals, which is produced only in Valencia!

4. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square)- center modern life cities. City Hall Square is located very close to Queen Square. These two central squares The cities are connected by a shady street full of restaurants - St. Vincent Street (Calle de San Vicente Martir). City Hall Square, unlike previous ones ancient squares, quite modern. Most of the buildings in Plaza del Ayuntamiento were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. City Hall Square, flooded with light and surrounded by flower stalls, is elegant and beautiful.

City Hall Square. Sights of Valencia

The main attraction of City Hall Square is, of course, the City Hall building. The City Hall building, built at the end of the 19th century, reflects the general elegant-bourgeois style of the city. The City Hall building is operational, the Mayor of the city of Valencia works there. Also in the City Hall building is the City Museum, which is open to the public on certain days. In the City Museum you can find the Code of Laws of the Kingdom of Valencia (analogous to the modern Constitution), dating from the beginning of the 14th century, the sword of King Jaime I, the founder of Valencia, the first state flag Valencia, preserved from ancient times and many other interesting historical things.

The facade of the building is interesting, with sculptures by famous Valencian sculptors and the city's coat of arms, located right in the center of the facade, under the clock. The city's coat of arms is decorated with a bat, the symbol of the city of Valencia. In the evenings in Valencia you can see many bats. You will find images of bats on the facades and interior details of many buildings in the city.

On the opposite side of the Square is the Valencia Central Post Office building. An interesting building in a modernist style, also built at the end of the 19th century. The roof of the building is decorated with an iron turret, as well as two sculptures along the edges of the roof. The sculptures depict a ship and a train supported by angels. At the beginning of the century, ship and train were the only available means of communication for delivering mail to all corners of the world.

5. Plaza del Mercado (Market Square). Very close to City Hall Square is the Market Square (Plaza del Mercado). The market has been located in this square since the Middle Ages, but in the 20th century, in 1927, a new covered building of the Central Market of Valencia was built.

The huge and beautiful market building, a wonderful example of modernism, is tiled with ceramic tiles, with a traditional Valencian color palette and images of oranges. Large stained glass windows on the facades of the building are decorated with images of the coat of arms of Valencia. The market building itself has an irregular shape and two entrances. The market is beautiful both outside and inside. Bright and light, in contrast to the dark, almost gothic Boqueria market in Barcelona, ​​the market attracts tourists and locals alike. The products of the Valencia Central Market are famous for their quality; here you will always find a huge selection of fish from all the seas of Spain, as well as the freshest meat and fruit. The prices, of course, exceed store prices. The symbol of the market is a green parrot, which can be seen on the spire of the building. The parrot represents the noise and excitement that reigns in the market. And at the exit of the market they sell household utensils and giant paella pans.

Opposite the market, on the other side of the street, there is Silk Exchange building (Lonja de la Seda), the only building in the Valencian region included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of European Gothic architecture. The Silk Exchange was built in just 15 years at the end of the 15th century. Construction began in 1498, and the main master was the brilliant Valencian architect Pere Compte. The building was built as a meeting place for Valencian merchants and merchants, where they could gather, show samples of goods and discuss the terms of transactions. Strict and majestic architecture the building takes us back to the Middle Ages.

A curious feature of the building is the huge number of obscene sculptures and images of an erotic nature. Medieval craftsmen could give free rein to their imagination, since the building was not of a religious nature. Many of the sculptures are hidden in the elaborate floral designs that adorn the walls of the Silk Exchange.

One more interesting building Market Square is Church of Saints Juanes (Iglesia de Santos Juanes). In this church, trials of the Spanish Holy Inquisition took place in the Middle Ages, and cellars with dungeons for imprisoned heretics are still preserved.

Valencia bullfighting square (Plaza de toros) , built at the end of the 19th century according to the design of the Valencian architect Sebastian Monleon, was conceived as a copy of the Roman Colosseum. This square is designed for 12 thousand spectators and is one of the largest squares in Spain. Since 2011, bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia, but still takes place in Valencia. Bullfighting in Valencia is celebrated several times a season, and the rest of the time the square is used as an arena for circus performances or as a venue for the Valencian Oktoberfirst beer festival (yes, it's a copy of the famous German beer festival, but with good weather and a Mediterranean accent!)

Not far from the City Hall Square, next to the Bullfighting Square there is Valencia North Station (Estación del Norte de Valencia).

This station was designed by the architect Dimetrio Ribas and opened to passengers in 1917. The building is made in a modernist style and is decorated with images of the national Valencian fruit - the orange. Visitors from Madrid and Barcelona enter Valencia through this station. In the station building, in all languages ​​(including Russian), there is an inscription “Have a nice journey”, made of pieces of ceramics in the style trencadis.

Turia Park or Gardens (Jardines del Turia) – the unique and most beautiful park in the world of Valencia. Turia Park was founded about 40 years ago on the site of the Turia River. This explains the unusual shape of the park - Turia Park, narrow and long, repeating the shape of the river, runs through the entire city. The length of the park is 12 km. In the gardens of Turia you can see children's and sports grounds, this is where Valencians love to spend their free time. Walking through the park, you can see many bridges, reminding us that the Turia River used to flow here.

At its widest point, in the former bed of the Turia River, is the famous Valencian complex “City of Sciences and Arts”, and at the opposite end of the park, a 1.5-hour walk away, is the Bioparc Valencia.

BIOPARK VALENCIA – SCENES OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR IN THE MOST UNUSUAL ZOO IN THE WORLD

Bioparc Valencia is a unique new generation zoo. The founders of Biopark do not like the word “zoo”, which is associated with sad animals in cramped cages and enclosures, so our zoo was named BIOpark.

Gorila at Bioparc Valencia

The biopark is located in the most spacious part of Turia Park, next to the park and pond. Upon entering the Bioparc, visitors are struck by the change - instead of the Mediterranean nature and cityscapes of Valencia, before you are the real savannahs of Africa and the wild nature of the island of Madagascar. Here, lemurs sleep on tree branches and walk around like cats, crocodiles sleep with their mouths open, gorillas and monkeys entertain visitors and play with their cubs, and a giraffe comes very close and looks into your eyes. Most of the animals are very close to you, you can stretch out your hand and pet them, while large and dangerous animals are separated from visitors by natural barriers - lakes and waterfalls, exotic baobab trees and streams. And most importantly, the animals in the Biopark do not get bored in cages alone - all the inhabitants of the park have enough space for a comfortable life and animal neighbors for communication!

In the Biopark you can see the main flora and fauna of the African continent - Madagascar lemurs, zebras, crocodiles, hyenas, elephants, hippos and hippos, tropical toads and frogs, giraffes and exotic birds, surrounded by impressive landscapes wildlife. In my opinion, Bioparc Valencia is perfect place for visiting with the whole family, with children.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia City of Sciences and Arts in Valencia

Europe's largest scientific entertainment center, built in the old bed of the Turia River. The City of Sciences and Arts is one of the main symbols of modern Valencia and attracts tourists from all over the world with the stunning futuristic architecture of the complex's buildings.

All buildings of the complex are surrounded by water. Depending on the lighting, the water changes color from turquoise to bright blue. At night, all the buildings of the City of Sciences and Arts are illuminated, and in the Umbracle garden summer season There is a trendy bar and disco.

City of Sciences and Arts in Valencia

10 ideas for a perfect weekend in Valencia:

1. Visit the Main Cathedral of Valencia ( Catedral of Valencia).

In the Cathedral, in addition to beautiful architecture and a sea of ​​antiquities, you can see the Main Relic of the Catholic Church - the Holy Grail. According to legend, Jesus Christ drank from this cup during his last dinner with the apostles - the Last Supper.

2. After, on Queen Square ( Plaza de la Reina) go to an old horchateria and try real Valencian horchata - a soft drink made from ground almonds. Horchata is a very unusual soft drink, rich in vitamins and beneficial minerals, which is produced only in Valencia!

3. Go to the Valencia Silk Exchange ( La Lonja) is a place where in ancient times merchants gathered to conclude transactions. The Silk Exchange is the only building in Valencia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

4. Wander through the Central Market of Valencia, located opposite the Silk Exchange building. Admire the well-ordered food aisles and the freshest, highest quality products in Valencia. There you can also try excellent jamon made from black Iberian pig.

5. Afterwards, with your appetite awakened, go to the sea, to the Valencia embankment, where you can try real Valencian paella. For example, you can choose for lunch the classic restaurant La Pepica - one of the most famous restaurants with typical Valencian cuisine, where Hemingway once dined and the King of Spain visited during his visits to Valencia.

6. Visit the Palace of the Marquis De Dos Aguas ( Palacio de Marqués de Dos Aguas) - explore the living room, dining room and bedroom of the Marquis and dream about the luxurious life that the inhabitants of the palace led.

7. Take an evening stroll through the magical Turia Gardens (Jardines de Turia), which run through the entire city and were created on the site of the Turia River. Admire the unusual bottle trees. Meet a flock of green parrots who live in the park.

8. Visit the City of Sciences and Arts (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) - a futuristic district of Valencia of the 21st century, built in the former bed of the Turia River. Appreciate the unusual design of Santiago Calatrava, the world famous Valencian architect.

9. And of course, in the City of Sciences and Arts, visit our Oceanográfico - the largest aquarium in Europe! Watch the Trained Dolphins Show and enter the Hall North Seas. There you will find a loving couple of walruses and two cute white whales. Also in our aquarium you will see poisonous moray eels and many, many fish!

10. Wander in the evening through the streets of the Old City (Barrio Carmen). Drink a glass of red wine in one of the outdoor bars. Being in Barrio Carmen at the end of the week, especially on Saturday evening, you will be able to appreciate the vibrant nightlife Valencia. Barrio Carmen is where most of Valencia's nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located.

Carmen Quarter

All this and much more can be done during a tour with your personal guide. We will show you everything interesting places and sights of Valencia and tell you about the life of the city and its inhabitants!

Once upon a time, the Moors nicknamed Valencia “blessed land.” Centuries later, the feeling of the city has not changed at all, although Valencia has since 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, it has managed to be a province of a powerful empire, part of the Moorish state and an independent Christian principality until it entered the united Kingdom of Spain.

Within the city limits of Valencia there are several beaches awarded " blue flag", where you can have a wonderful holiday, it is also home to the famous fire festival "Las Fallas", which annually attracts thousands of tourists. And all the guests of the city probably try the delicious Valencian paella.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Valencia?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. City of Arts and Sciences

A modern entertainment complex, a real architectural pride of all of Spain. The futuristic ensemble, created by Santiago Calatrava, strongly contrasts with the historical city quarters. Here is located exhibition gallery, a museum-city of sciences, a planetarium (which includes a cinema and a laser show theater), an opera house and an aquarium. The complex has been open to the public since 1998, and has been under construction over the following years.

2. Serranos Gate

Ancient city gates, preserved from the 14th century. They were intended to defend the city and repel enemy attacks. Over the past centuries, the gate towers have served as a prison for nobles and as a storage facility for museum exhibits during wars (the collections of the Prado Museum were specially evacuated here to protect them from possible bombing). In modern times, Serranos serve a symbolic function.

3. Quart Gate

The second (after the Serranos Gate) ancient gate that has survived to this day, 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 from limestone and stone and is reminiscent of a medieval Italian fort. Several centuries ago, the gate towers housed a women's prison. 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. Important public events for the city are held here. There are several attractions on the square: the central post office, the Trade Assembly building 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

Queen's Square is one of the most crowded and lively in Valencia. Several major streets converge here. The place received its name in honor of the wife of ruler Alfonso XII, Queen Maria. The square is decorated with flower beds, alleys and cozy cafes. On the north side there 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 the Holy Virgin Mary, the main Christian temple of Valencia. It was erected before the arrival of the Moors on the Iberian Peninsula. During the Arab rule it was converted into a mosque. In the 13th century the cathedral again became a Christian monastery with the blessing of the Valencian bishop. 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 Our Lady of the Defender of the Dispossessed

The temple is located next to the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary and is connected to it through a gallery. This seemingly inconspicuous church plays an important role for local residents, 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 disasters, wars, epidemics and other troubles that befell Valencia.

8. Church of Saints John

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

9. Church of Santa Catalina

Temple located near the Valencia Cathedral, 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 Jaime I on the site of a demolished Arab mosque.

10. Valencia Museum of Fine Arts

A 17th-century building that formerly housed a school for the clergy. It houses outstanding collections of famous Spanish artists, including El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. Separate exhibitions are dedicated to representatives of the Valencian art school - Nicolas Falco, Rodrigo de Ozon 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 features an intricate and luxurious Baroque façade – a true work of art. The interior is also decorated with special pomp. The palace houses a ceramics museum, where several thousand exhibits are exhibited. Here you can find unique ceramic products dating back to the 16th century. Jewelry collections, furniture and interior items are also presented.

12. Generalidad Palace

Seat of government autonomous region Valencia, open to tourists in certain time. Construction of the palace began in the 15th century by order of the Council of Deputies. The northern façade of the building faces Place 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 from the 15th and 16th centuries. This is an outstanding creation of Spanish architects. In the Middle Ages, silk trade was carried out on the territory of the complex. The ensemble includes a tower, an orange courtyard, a meeting room and a main columned hall, in which trade transactions were directly carried out. In this room, on the multi-colored marble floor, 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 “Southern Art Nouveau” style with some pretentiousness and pomp. The interiors are originally decorated with tiles, tiles, mosaics, 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 blooming garden in stone.

15. Plaza de Toros (bullring)

A large round arena-amphitheater for bullfighting. 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 food market where products from all over the region are brought. Here are the best farms of the Autonomous Region of Valencia. The stalls sell dozens of varieties of cheese and jamon, sweets, fish, seafood, nuts, and ingredients for making paella. The market is always lively and noisy. The building itself, where the shops are located, is a picturesque structure with colored stained glass windows and wrought iron grilles.

17. Columbus Market

An Art Nouveau trading platform named after the great discoverer, but having nothing to do with him. Here you can not only buy fresh food 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

Huge park complex in the former bed of the river. Turia, which stretches across the entire city. It consists of several zones, which include the Royal Gardens, the City of Arts and Sciences and 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 in the resulting area they organized a green park area (at first they planned to build a road). This is how modern Gardens appeared.

19. Bioparc Valencia

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 animals can move freely over a large area. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or touching zoo inhabitants. 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 local residents called "small sea". This is the habitat of a large number of waterfowl. They nest here in whole flocks and are not at all afraid of people. Several species listed in the Red Book are found in Albufera Park. The best way to explore the natural beauty of the area is to take a boat tour.