The City of Arts and Sciences
The city of Arts and Science is one of the largest science and culture complexes in Europe. A unique set of five main elements: the Hemisphere (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (landscaped viewpoint and parking), the Prince Felipe Science Museum (an innovative center of interactive science), Oceanographic (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Reina Sofia Palace of arts (dedicated to the opera). Nearly two miles of striking architecture situated in the old Turia River bed. This complex was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela – with its immense capacity to entertain and stimulate the minds. Walking through the buildings you can learn many different aspects related to science, technology, nature and art.
See La The City of Arts and Sciences
The Oceanographic
The largest aquarium in Europe, the Oceanografic, invites you to travel throughout the marine ecosystem. More than 45.0000 copies of 500 different species inhabit nine underwater towers that, structured on two levels, represent the most emblematic marine ecosystems on Earth. The lily-shaped roof is the work of architect Félix Candela.
Pass through all the oceans and learn all their secrets that Oceanographic holds, secrets that the guides, if you wish, will disclosed during your visit. Submerge into the Oceans tunnel, an incredible underwater corridor imposing sharks pass over your head.
In summer, there are dolphin shows, under the slogan “look after this world and we will be fortunate forever.”
The Bioparc
An innovative zoo without visual barriers based on complete zoo immersion. With diverse ecosystems: African Savanna, Madagascar Island and Equatorial Africa, which show the natural habitat of each species. Moving through Bioparc is a unique experience to show, enjoy and learn how to save, care for and protect each species.
The Cathedral and the Plaza de la Virgen
The Cathedral has 3 magnificent gates: the irons (Baroque ), the Apostles (Gothic ) and the Palau gate ( Romanesque ). The Miguelete is a bell tower from which to enjoy the best views of Valencia. The Plaza de la Virgen is the original site of the Roman forum.
The Central Market
The Central Market in Valencia since 1928 covers more than 8,000 square meters and is on two floors, dominated by a pre-modern eclectic style. Its striking roof consists of original domes and sloping roofs at different heights, while the interior is coated with various materials such as iron, wood, ceramic and polychrome tiles. The entire beauty of the whole market is especially highlighted by the light that filters through various points in the roof and stained glass windows.
It is also a stimulus for the senses with its quality products, freshness, cleanliness, a perfect balance between history and innovation.
Open Monday to Saturday morning.
La Lonja de seda (Silk exchange)
La Lonja is one of the most famous Gothic style civil buildings in Europe, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 5, 1996. The Market Exchange is a rectangular area with an area is about 1990 square meters. The first stone was laid in 1492. The main construction was overseen by Pere Compte, an engineer and architect from Valencia. La Lonja consists of three different areas and a garden “orange courtyard “. The Hall of columns or Trading Hall was instituted in 1407 by the City Council for its great reputation and its large volume of banking operations. Currently the table in which market transactions were performed, and the 1st Bill of Exchange in Spain, is located in the Municipal Archives of Valencia. The Tower (second part of the building): on the ground floor has a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, while the two upper floors were allocated as the merchants debtors prison.
The Round Square
This curious work of Salvador Escrig Melchor dating from the nineteenth century, was conceived with great commercial sense, as its shape is circular, so forming an closed area. Popularly known as the “clot” (the hole), the ground floor is occupied by shops, where all sorts of traditional items are sold. On Sundays you will find the local flea market here. The square is crowned by three other levels, with metal railings and balconies. In the center of the square is a fountain from 1850.
North Station
A working Station, located in the city center, opened in 1917 and has been a Historic Artistic Monument since 1961. Its construction began in 1906, after the urban transformations of the late nineteenth century.
The building in a modernist style was designed by architect Demetrio Ribes. The front of the North Station is characterized by its floral motifs (orange, orange blossom … ), inspired by the Valencian agriculture . They also emphasize the four red stripes and gold background found on the Valencian Coat of Arms.
The decoration of the station is the best of it kind. The Entrance Hall, in its day was devoted to a Cafeteria but is now currently the Information Office and is the diamond of the station, with its walls covered with typical Valencian agricultural scenes, a real journey through the times of our ancestors.
The Quart and Serrano Towers
Declared a National Historic Monument in 1931, these towers are part of the old medieval walls, and these towers were the symbol of power and importance. They were built in the 14th century by the master stonemason Pere Balaguer, to defend one of the busiest points of access to old Valencia. In the 16th century they were used as prisons for noblemen.
The Valencian Institute of Modern Art
The Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) was created in 1986 and represented the realization of modern art in Valencia. Today it is highly recognized and has become a landmark not only of the city but of contemporary art.
At the edge of the historic town, the IVAM stands as a cry of modernity. In just two decades has reached the privilege of being part of the international circuit of modern and contemporary art. The museum takes a look at the artistic avant-garde of the 20th century from Abstract and Pop Art, through to European Informalism and the new figurative movement. It offers a programme of activities with temporary exhibitions, lectures, courses and workshops.
There is also an underground room where visitors can see a large stretch of Valencia’s medieval city wall, which was demolished over a century ago and discovered during the building works for the museum.
The National Museum of Ceramics
Ceramics from Prehistory to Picasso.
This museum opened in 1954 and is located in the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace. It is the result of the passion for ceramics and collecting of its founder, González Martí.
It contains an important collection of ceramics, with prehistoric, Roman, Greek and Arab items . There are also plenty of contemporary works, including some by Picasso. The museum’s collection also includes a representative selection of traditional ceramics from towns such as Manises, Paterna and Alcora.
More interesting information about Valencia
- Tourist Bus: from the Plaza de la Reina
- Horse and Cart rides: from the Plaza de la Reina
- Bike tours : 96 385 17 40
- Feria Valencia
- www.culturia.org: 6 tourist routes within the city
- www.guiate.com/Valencia : Valencia museums
- www.Kevin.es/Fiestas-Valencia : fiestas in Valencia
- www.turisvalencia.es : recreational and cultural events