What's there to view in Valencia?

[jw5]

The province of Valencia is an often overlooked pocket of Spain. Located on the country's eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, this is a region distinguished for its cultural heritage, containing as it does a truly remarkable collection of historic sites, with some recognized by UNESCO. The beating heart of the province is the city of Valencia, built on Roman, Moorish, and Visigoth foundations and home to one of Europe's most prestigious centers for the arts and sciences. Elsewhere, visitors can absorb medieval towns and monuments, enjoy pristine sandy beaches, and discover some of the best-preserved natural parks in the region. So, are you heading for Spain?

 

[jw5]

Valencia -

The province's beating heart is same-named Valencia, founded as a Roman colony as far back as 138 BCE. The capital, a Mediterranean port city, is rich in cultural heritage and deserves to be explored at leisure.

 

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La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València -

Begin your Valencia sightseeing by discovering the futuristic complex that is the City of Arts and Sciences. Recognized globally for its cutting-edge architecture, this is one of Europe's premier centers dedicated to cultural and scientific exhibitions.

 

[jw5]

L'Oceanogràfic -

The complex features nine integrated and groundbreaking structures and buildings, among them the Oceanographic, Europe's biggest aquarium. The ocean tank is unmissable with its collection of sharks and rays, but so too is the Arctic tank, whose residents include smiling beluga whales.

 

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Museu de les Ciències -

Another highlight is the Science Museum. A compelling reference point for interactive science, technology, and the environment, the museum consists of a huge variety of seasonal exhibitions and scientific activities of all kinds to spark the visitor's curiosity.

 

[jw5]

Falles -

If you happen to be in Valencia mid-March, you'll be witness to the festival known as Falles (also spelled as Fallas). Held annually in commemoration of Saint Joseph, this extraordinary religious pageant features floats carrying beautifully crafted figures made of papier mâché. In a spectacular finale, these artistic monuments are burned at midnight on the last day of the festival. Its cultural significance is such that Falles is included on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of humanity list.

 

[jw5]

Museu Fallero -

If you can't get to Valencia in March, fear not. The Museu Fallero houses more than 80 ninots (figures) saved from the fires. The exhibition also chronicles the history of this unique cultural expression.

 

[jw5]

La Lonja de Seda -

Completed in 1533, the outstanding La Lonja de Seda was built to house the city's Silk Exchange. The lavishly decorated vaulted hall is supported by a series of twisted columns. The trading hall, meanwhile, is where Valencian silk was sold. Outside, the orange garden courtyard drew merchants from across the land to trade in this precious fruit. The Gothic monument is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

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Mercado Central -

Sited near Lonja is the wonderful Mercado Central, a 1920s-era Valencian Art Nouveau structure enclosing hundreds of market stalls selling all kinds of national and regional culinary delights and handicraft.

 

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Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de València -

The somber exterior of the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari and St. Peter the Martyr belies a sumptuous and ornate interior further heightened by a series of breathtaking frescos that decorate the walls and ceilings.

 

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Catedral de València -

The city's cathedral was consecrated in 1238, set over Visigoth foundations and fashioned out of a former mosque built by the Moors.

 

[jw5]

Cathedral highlights -

An interior highlight is the dazzling Chapel of the Holy Grail, distinguished for its gilded vaulting and star-studded religious motifs. The chapel's most sacred object is the reliquary containing the Holy Chalice, believed by many to be the goblet that Jesus used to perform the Holy Eucharist.

 

[ginfreely]

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Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de València -

The somber exterior of the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari and St. Peter the Martyr belies a sumptuous and ornate interior further heightened by a series of breathtaking frescos that decorate the walls and ceilings.

I haven’t been here but something i remember about Spain churches is they are not free entry. Need to pay. Not like other countries churches.

 

[jw5]

El Miguelete -

Round off your cathedral visit by climbing the 207 steps to the top of the Miguelete Tower for an inspiring Valencia rooftop panorama.

 

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Plaza de la Virgen -

The pedestrianized area around the cathedral includes Plaza de la Virgen, one of Valencia's prettiest squares. Return at dusk and be greeted by Neptune's fountain bathed in the illuminated glow of the surrounding facades.

 

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Bioparc València -

Valencia's zoo allows visitors to appreciate the residents in enclosures designed to authentically reflect their natural habitats. This is achieved by not using the traditional railings and cages that are common in many zoos, using instead rivers, ponds, streams, and rocks to separate visitors from the animals. The result is a near-seamless landscape of different ecosystems.

 

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Centro arqueológico Almoina -

The premier site of ancient historical interest in the city, La Almoina Archaeological Museum is set over the incredibly well-preserved foundations of Roman Valencia. From above, visitors can gaze across the remnants of streets and bathing pools, plus a sanctuary, part of the forum portico.

 

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Museum collections -

An exhibition hall showcases historic pottery and other archaeological pieces from various periods in the history of Valencia, including Visigoth and Arab epochs.

 

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Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas -

You can't miss the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas. This gem of a Rocco residence used to belong to a prominent noble family. These days it houses the serene González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts.

 

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Museu de Belles Arts de València -

Among the standout exhibits you need to seek out at the National Museum of Fine Arts is a triptych of the Passion by Hieronymus Bosch, a self-portrait by Spanish painter Diego Velázquez (pictured), and Gonzalo Pérez's amazing Altarpiece of Sts. Ursula.