Do you like history? Have you ever been interested in visiting Europe’s old history? If that’s the case stick along with me because I am going to show you some cool places to visit in the city where I was born and raised in, which is Valencia. To start I will say it is an amazing place to visit because of the cultural traditions such as Fallas, the food such as paella or tortilla de patata (potato omelet). As well as the beaches that are on the Mediterranean coast. I am very proud of my city and of all that it has but, in this article I will focus more on the places to visit for history and architecture lovers since there are a lot of old and interesting buildings to visit.Â
The places that I find most interesting to visit in Valencia are “La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències” which is a complex of different buildings with different purposes from museums to an aquarium and it is also surrounded by a lot of nature. It is a very peaceful area to hang out. Also, La Lonja, El Barrio del Carmen, and the Valencia Cathedral are old buildings full of history that you will love visiting if you like architecture as well as history. I will explain all the different places you can visit and some history about them.Â
La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (the translation from the Valencian language means the city of arts and sciences) is a complex of scientific and cultural leisure to discover and have fun with. The buildings of the complex are products of the architect Santiago Calatrava. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
One of them is the Oceanografic where you can see different marine environments and different creatures such as sharks, penguins, or dolphins. I have very good memories there from when I was a young child. Especially in the dolphin show where the dolphins do different tricks with their trainers.Â
The Hemispheric which is one of the buildings of the complex is a huge 3D cinema with a screen which is approximately around 35,430 inches that feels like it wraps the spectators. They also have a pair of headphones where you can choose the language you want to hear the film in. The films I saw were about turtles, el Principito, and astrology. There are always new things to watch and since I am a visual person it is very impactful for me to see the films on the big screen. The Museu de les Ciencies is another building part of the complex where you can find different interactive exhibitions of science and technology.Â
El Palau de les Arts is another building part of the complex that from October to November has a programme that offers operas, concerts, zarzuela, or ballet. I saw a musical of Les Miserables when I was a child and it was very impactful for me to experience because I was struck by how big the theater is. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)
L’umbracle is a huge garden with Mediterranean nature. However, at night it may turn into Mya which is a very popular nightclub for teenagers and young adults who want to go out. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
Agora is a multi-purpose space that offers temporary and permanent exhibitions, live music, screenings, lecture cycles, and science.Â
L’assut d’or is a well-known bridge and I honestly think it’s very cool. I believe that the complex of the Museo de las Artes y de las Ciencias (translated from Spanish means the Arts and Sciences Museum) is a very beautiful place to take pictures and to chill around. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
Lonja is a special old building from Valencia. It is a very interesting place to go if you like history. According to my research, it is a renowned Gothic building. It was constructed in the late 15th century to replace an older Lonja due to the city’sÂ
prosperity. The Lonja has three parts: the Columnary Room with impressive columns, which housed the Taula de Canvis (a historic financial institution), a middle section with a chapel, and two upper floors for delinquent merchants. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
Today, all the old things from the first room, like important papers, are in a special place called the Municipal Archive of Valencia. So, the Lonja is like a super old, fancy building with a lot of history!Â
Another building with a lot of interesting history and architecture is The Valencia Cathedral, featuring Gothic architecture with elements from various eras, was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple and a former mosque. Construction began in the 13th century, and notable additions in the 15th century include the Capitular Hall (now the Chapel of the Holy Chalice) and the Miguelete Tower. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Saint Mary and houses treasures like the Holy Chalice believed to be the one used by Jesus at the Last Supper, which was used by Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI during their visits to Valencia.Â
The Barrio del Carmen in Valencia, known for its culinary delights and Mediterranean leisure, is a historic neighborhood with a thousand years of history. It showcases medieval architecture, rich artistic heritage, historical anecdotes, and local legends. Notable sites include the restored Church of San Nicolás de Bari, the former Convent of Carmen transformed into a contemporary cultural center, and the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The neighborhood also features a series of picturesque squares and unique attractions like L’Iber, a museum of historical miniatures, and Casa de las Rocas, home to floats representing monsters paraded during the Corpus celebration. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)
The Mercado Central of Valencia is the largest fresh produce market in Europe and a paradise for food lovers who appreciate the richness, variety, and quality of Mediterranean cuisine. This modernist architectural gem spans over 8,000 square meters and is adorned with decorative elements inspired by Valencia’s gardens and produce. It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a vibrant hub filled with the colors, aromas, and flavors of the Mediterranean. With nearly 300 stalls, it offers a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, seafood (including live eels), spices, nuts, and more.(“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
Whether you’re shopping for ingredients or simply want to savor the quality of the products, you can visit the Central Bar, now under chef Ricard Camarena’s management, where they serve tapas, dishes, and sandwiches made from the best the market has to offer every day. Whether you’re here for shopping or to enjoy a gastronomic morning, the Mercado Central is a magical place not to be missed in Valencia. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
“Ensanche and Ruzafa: The ultimate shopping district with numerous places to enjoy gastronomy. Don’t think that the world’s top neighborhoods are only found outside of Valencia, because the Ensanche holds its own. It offers dining, entertainment, shops, and plenty of culture right in the heart of Valencia. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)Â
Valencia’s beaches offer a diverse paradise for beach lovers, whether you are looking for relaxation on golden sands, water adventures, or sports by the sea. Urban beaches near the city center provide abundant dining options and a wide promenade, while those in the L’Albufera Natural Park offer a more secluded escape. With nearly 20 kilometers of coastline, Valencia’s beaches promise a blend of sun, sea, and sand to suit all preferences. (“10 Visitas Imprescindibles,” 2017)
10 visitas imprescindibles. (2017). Visit Valencia.Â
https://www.visitvalencia.com/que-ver-valencia/que-visitar-en-valencia