Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, Valencia continually grew and is now Spain’s third largest city behind Madrid and Barcelona. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia was one of the most influential cities in Europe, becoming home to the first ever printing press. Internationally recognised for its annual festivals and traditional food, Valencia attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is teeming with history and culture, ensuring there are plenty of sights to see. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Valencia.
10. Torres de Serranos
Flickr/jose alhambra
Built in the 14th century, The Torres de Serranos is considered one of Valencia’s most iconic buildings. The gate was the main entrance to the city at the time, with a defensive purpose, and was used to house prisoners. The remains are in superb condition, allowing visitors to experience the structure in all its glory.
9. Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia
Culture is of the utmost importance in Valencia, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia perfectly demonstrates this importance. This breathtaking opera house was designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava and opened to the public in 2005. It rises 14 stories above the ground, and three more stories sit below. There are four auditoriums: The Sala Principal, The Auditorium, Aula Magistral, and Martí i Soler Theatre, which regularly have musical productions on show.
8. Miguelete
Wikimedia Commons/Pelayo2
Designed in the 14th century and built in the 15th century, the Gothic style bell tower El Miguelete sits in Plaza de la Reina. The tower has four bodies of equal height, the largest of which is named “Miguel” and lends its name to the structure. A spiral staircase of 207 steps brings you to the summit where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the sea.
7. Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas
Wikimedia Commons/Dorieo
One of the most stunning palaces in the country, Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, is a superb example of Rococo architecture. The original building can be traced back to the 16th century, although extensive renovations took place during the 18th century. Highlights of the palace include the exquisite ballroom and the excellent National Ceramics Museum.
6. Valencia Cathedral
Flickr/Alan Burnett
Valencia Cathedral is easy to spot with its blend of Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, and Neo-Classical styles. Built in 1238 on the site of Visigothic Cathedral which had been turned into a mosque by the Moors, Valencia Cathedral is said to be home to the true Holy Grail. The cathedral contains many features and paintings of historical note, and is certainly a must-see in this city.
5. La Lonja de la Seda
Flickr/Juan J. Martínez
Another example of exquisite architecture is La Lonja de la Seda, a civil building erected in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It is considered an exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, and for this reason it was placed onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Inside the building, the Hall of Columns is an impressive sight with an inscription declaring the ethics of good trade visible on the walls.
4. Mercado Central
Flickr/Antonio Tajuelo
An expansive marketplace, Mercado Central is considered to be the oldest market in Europe. Inside you will find local traders selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. The market is housed in a stunning Valencian building, which is well worth a visit in itself.
3. Bioparc Valencia
Flickr/Alvaro Galve
Bioparc Valencia is an expansive 10-hectare zoo which is home to dozens of species. Bioparc employs the concept of zoo-immersion: placing visitors in the wild habitats of animals rather than placing animals in the more controlled habitats found at most zoos. This is achieved by creating rivers, rocks, and streams to separate the visitors from the animals instead of cages and railings. This environment makes the Bioparc a fantastic place to visit animals as close to their natural habitat as possible.
2. Oceanografic Valencia
Flickr/Adam
Housed in an eye-catching building designed by architect Felix Candela, Oceanografic Valencia is an oceanarium where a variety of marine habitats are recreated. It is the largest oceanarium in Europe and houses 45,000 animals, including sharks, penguins, sea lions, walruses, beluga whales, dolphins, and many more. The park is separated into ten areas, with each representing a different habitat on Earth. This extraordinary park is a unique chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exciting sea animals.
1. City of Arts and Sciences
Flickr/Maribelle71
The City of Arts and Sciences is represented by a cluster of buildings situated at the end of the former riverbed of the river Turia. All buildings in the project were designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela. The complex consists of the following buildings: L’Hemisféric, El Museu de les Ciéncies Principe Felipe, L’Umbracle, Oceanografic, and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. The building of the complex began in 1998 with the opening of L’Hemisféric and was completed in 2005 with the completion of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. Without a doubt, the City of Arts and Sciences should be top of the list for any visitor to this magnificent city.
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