Historic places in Valencia

Historic places in Valencia

1. See

   Almodí

   Almudín

   Constructed in the early 14th century on the site of a Moorish palace, the building is essentially Moorish in design and used to function as the municipal granary; its name is derived directly from 'almud' (Arabic: bushel). The building was fully restored in 1996 and is now a venue for temporary art exhibitions.

   Mon-Sat 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays

2. See

   Bombas Gens Centre d'Art

   This former factory from the 1930s has been transformed into an exhibition space for Spanish contemporary art, with a special focus on photography. The building has an interesting history, as it was used to make industrial pumps, and later during the Spanish Civil War was used by the Republicans as an air raid shelter and to assemble armaments.

   Wed 16:00-20:00, Thu-Sat 11:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Sun 11:00-15:00·€9.5-€14.5 adults, €9.5-€11 concessions

3. Drink

   Café Rialto

   A classic café-bar in the historic Rialto Theatre, with a small terrace. It also has a well-priced set lunch menu for €10.50.

   Mon-Thu 08:00-20:00, Fri 08:00-02:00, Sat 16:00-02:00, Sun 16:00-21:00

4. See

   Casa de les Roques

   Casa de las Rocas / Museo del Corpus

   The horse-drawn carriages used in the Corpus Christi parades, known as roques (Spanish: rocas, or 'rocks'), have been stored in this building since the mid-15th century. Eleven carriages are on display, the oldest of which was built between 1373 and 1392. Other items exhibited are costumes and historic documents, as well as a 25-minute video about the processions (in Spanish).

   Tue-Sat 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00

5. See

   Catedral de Santa María de València

   La Seu / Valencia Cathedral

   It was the site of a Roman temple, then a Visigothic cathedral, and then a Moorish grand mosque. It is now the seat of the archbishropic of Valencia. The current Gothic structure was begun in 1262 and remodeled numerous times, resulting in a structure with elements from three distinct architectural periods. Especially notable are the Puerta de los Apóstoles from the 14th century, and the Puerta del Palau, the oldest doorway of the cathedral, which is Romanesque with Moorish influences.

   Nov-Mar: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:30; Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:30, Sun 14:00-18:30; last admission 45 min before closing·€9 (adults), €6 (reduced)

6. See

   Centre del Carme

   The former convent hosts rotating special exhibits showcasing local history, and historic and contemporary artists from Valencia and outside the region.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00·€2 adults, €1 concessions, free on Su and holidays

7. See

   Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda

   Museo de la Seda / Silk Museum

   The Moors introduced silk to Valencia, and it became a major hub of the silk trading route during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Valencian silk weavers' guild was established in the late 15th century, and in 1494 acquired this building, which remained the guild's headquarters throughout its history. The building was remodelled extensively during subsequent centuries, and was fully restored in 2016. Now a museum, it showcases various aspects of Valencia's silk trade and production.

   Sun Mon 10:00-15:00, Tue-Sat 10:00-19:00·€6 adults, €4.50 seniors/students, free children under 5; free multilingual audioguide

8. See

   Fundación Chirivella Soriano

   Palau Joan de Valeriola

   This well-preserved 14th-century Gothic palace houses a permanent collection of contemporary Spanish art, with rotating exhibits.

   Tue-Sat 10:00-14:00 17:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-14:00·€4 adults, €2 concessions

9. See

   Jardín de Viveros

   Jardines del Real / Royal Gardens

   Established by the Moors in the 13th century as gardens for the royal palace (no longer standing), this pleasant and popular park is the second-largest park in Valencia, after the Turia gardens. The park includes a rose garden, sculpture garden, bicycle track, and aviary. During the summer various festivals are held here.

   Summer: daily 07:30-21:30; winter: Mon-Fri 07:30-20:30, Sat Sun 07:30-21:30·Free

10. Do

    L'Ofrena

    La Ofrenda / The Offering

    The falleros and falleras from each 'casal faller' bring flowers in offering and used to decorate the mantle of an enormous effigy of the Virgen de los Desamparados in the Plaça de la Virgen. Participants are dressed in traditional clothing, and the processions follow two main routes, each terminating at the cathedral: one proceeds westward down Carrer de de Pau / Calle de la Paz, and the other northward up Carrer de Sant Vincent Màrtir / Calle San Vicente.

    17-18 March

11. Buy

    Mercat de l’Escuraeta

    Mercado de L’Escuraeta

    This traditional market dates back to the 13th century and Jaume I, when vendors set up extra stalls by the cathedral to coincide with the annual Festividad de la Virgen (feast of the Virgin). Items sold here include crockery and traditional cooking utensils, as well as pottery and other arts and crafts.

    Daily from the second Sun of May until Corpus Christi, usually at the end of May or early June

12. See

    Monestir de Sant Miquel dels Reis

    Biblioteca Valenciana Nicolau Primitiu / Monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes

    Founded in the 16th century, this massive Renaissance building is considered by some historians to be the early model for the more well-known El Escorial near Madrid. In 1835 the monastery was dissolved and came under control of the state; it was used for a time as a school, an asylum, and during the Franco period as a prison. It was fully restored in 1997-2000, and now houses the central library of the Valencian Community, the collection of which includes many of the original volumes kept here during the building's monastic period. Guided architectural tours of the building are offered on weekends (Spanish/Valencian only).

    Tours: Sat Sun and holidays 12:00, 13:00; no reservation required·Free

13. See

    Museu Nacional de Ceràmica

    Museo Nacional de Cerámica / National Ceramics Museum

    This very ornate Baroque palace once served as the residence of the Marqués de Dos Aigües, and is now a museum. The ground and first floors showcase a collection of stagecoaches and period furniture, while the upper two floors house an extensive ceramics collection with a focus on historic Valencian pieces. Of particular note are Moorish ceramic tiles from the main mosque which was on the site now occupied by the cathedral, and six plates designed by Picasso. Photography permitted, no flash.

    Tue-Sat 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-14:00·€3 (adults), €1.50 (concessions); free on Sa afternoon and Su, 18 May, 18 Apr, 12 Oct, and 6 Dec

14. See

    Museu d'Història de València

    Museo de Historia de Valencia / Museum of Valencian History

    Housed in a former reservoir, this well-designed museum is dedicated to the developmental history of the city, from the Roman era until the present. Although labels are in Valencian and Spanish, booklets with English translations are available at the front desk. Constructed in 1850, the building is interesting in its own right as an excellent example of 19th century industrial architecture.

    Tue-Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and public holidays

15. See

    Museu de Belles Arts de València

    Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia / Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

    This 17th-century former palace houses over 2,000 pieces of art, with a primary focus on art of the 14th to 17th centuries. Highlights include an excellent collection of medieval altarpieces, a collection of engravings by the Italian artist Piranesi, and a handful of minor works by Velázquez, El Greco, and Goya. Photography permitted, no flash.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00; closed 1 Jan and 25 Dec·Free

16. See

    Museu dels Soldadets de Plom L'Iber

    Museo L'Iber / Tin Soldier Museum

    In an old Gothic palace, this is the world's largest private collection of tin soldiers of about one million pieces. Figures represent periods of Valencian, Spanish, and world history.

    Sep-Jun: Tue-Sun 11:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00; Jul Aug: daily 10:00-14:00, 15:00-20:00·€5 adults, €3 concessions

17. See

    Palau Reial de València

    Palacio Real / Royal Palace

    Established by the Moors, then rebuilt by Christians, this building served as the royal Valencian residence until its demolition in 1810. It was forgotten and then rediscovered in 1986. The partially-excavated site is now surrounded by a fence with informative panels in Valencian, Spanish, and English.

    Free

18. See

    Palau de Cervelló

    Palacio de Cervelló / Cervelló Palace

    Built in the 18th century as the residence of the counts of Cervelló, this palace became the official residence for visiting royalty following the demolition of the Palau Reial de València. The building now houses a museum, the Municipal Archive, and the Serrano Morales Library. On the ground floor is an exhibit (in Catalan and Spanish) illustrating the historic events which took place here, and on the upper floor are the grand ballroom and Serrano Morales Library, with original murals and furnishings.

    Tue-Sat 10:00-14:00 16:30-20:30, Sun and holidays 10:00-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays

19. See

    Pont de la Trinitat

    Puente De La Trinidad / Trinitat Bridge

    The oldest bridge in the city, with the current structure dating to the early 16th century. The two 17th-century sculptures of Valencian saints used to be on another nearby medieval bridge, and were relocated to this bridge in the mid-20th century.

20. Do

    Teatre Talia

    Teatro Talía / Talía Theatre

    The historic theatre was built in 1928 and mostly showcases local plays and actors, but is also occasionally a venue for dance and especially flamenco performances. Tickets can be purchased online.

    Box office: Tue-Fri 18:00-21:00, Sat Sun 2 hr before every show

21. See

    Torres de Quart

    Porta de Quart

    This medieval tower was part of the wall that surrounded the old city; the numerous pock-marks are from gun battles during the Spanish War of Independence from the French (1807-1814). Great views of the city can be had from the top.

    Mon-Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays

22. See

    Torres de Serrano

    Porta de Serrans

    Built in 1392, this gate was also part of the ancient wall and for a time also served as a prison. The gate has been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but is still interesting. It is across the street from the park. This tower also offers excellent views.

    Mon-Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays

23. Do Not mapped

    Bullfighting

    corrida de toros

    Bullfights are staged in Valencia only during three short seasons, including Falles (mid-March), the Fira de Juliol (July Festival), and the Nou d’Octubre (Valencian National Day in October). If you are put off by bullfighting, consider attending a recortes competition, an ancient nonviolent alternative practiced only in the Valencian Community, Navarra, La Rioja, and northern Castile-La Mancha. Recortadores leap, perform backflips, and occasionally pole-vault over charging bulls. The bulls are unharmed and not killed afterward, but it is very dangerous for the athletes, who are often matadors-in-training. While these events are not as well-attended as bullfights, popularity is growing. Typically there is one recortes event during each bullfighting season.

    Bullfights €12-120, recortes €10

24. See Not mapped

    El Cabanyal

    Cabañal

    Established in the 13th century as a fishing village, in the 19th century the town became known as a beach getaway before being annexed by Valencia in 1897. Along with easy access to the beach, it has many charming historic tiled buildings and great bars and restaurants, and is the setting of the annual Semana Santa Marinera (described below under 'Do'). For many years the area directly east of the Valencia-Cabanyal train station was badly neglected, and squatters and other nefarious types moved in. Although the related political and legal disputes have since been resolved, for the near future this specific area is still best avoided at night.

25. Do Not mapped

    Els Focs de la Fira

    Correfoc: literally 'fire-running'

    This energetic festival began in medieval Catalonia and is celebrated throughout the Catalán/Valencian-speaking region. Participants dress as devils with pitchforks and dance through the streets to drums, setting off fireworks and interacting with spectators. The route varies from year to year, but generally is in the area near the North Train Station and the Porta de la Mar. The many flying sparks can burn holes in clothing, so it's a good idea to wear older clothes or not get too close to the action.

26. Do Not mapped

    Festa del Corpus Christi

    Fiesta de Corpus Christi

    The city has been celebrating Corpus Christi since the late 13th century, and holding feast day processions since 1355. The main procession, known as the Cavalcada del Convit (Spanish: Cabalgata del Convite) begins at 12:00 and follows an itinerary established in the 18th century, which begins at Carrer de la Batlia, heads south along the western side of the cathedral to the Plaça de la Reina, and then up Carrer d'Avellanes and finally terminates at Plaça de l'Almoina. The parade features several medieval dances and rituals unique to Valencia, the most famous of which is La Moma i els Momos, in which a man in white dress and white-veiled face is surrounded by seven men clothed and veiled in black; the dance represents the fight of virtue against the seven deadly sins. Also noteworthy are the dances of the Nanos (dwarves) and Gegants (giants), in which dancers wear oversized heads and costumes respectively, and La Poalà, in which participants at the end of the route are doused with buckets of water. 16:30 marks the start of a second procession, the Pas de les Roques (Spanish: Paso de las Rocas, or Parade of Carriages), the highlight of which are the antique horse-drawn carriages. This parade follows a more circuitous route along Carrer dels Cavallers, Carrer de la Bosseria, Plaça del Mercat, Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, Plaça de la Reina, and Carrer de les Avellanes before finally returning to the cathedral at Plaça de l'Almoina. A third procession begins at 17:30, with the same dancers featured in the 12:00 parade, and following the route of the carriage parade. The final procession, the Solemne Processó (Spanish: Solemne Procesión) begins at 19:00, with participants from parishes and guilds followed by biblical characters and finally by the monstrance.

    60 days after Easter, usually late May or early June·Free

27. Do Not mapped

    Festivitat Verge dels Desemparats

    Festividad de la Virgen de los Desamparados, Festival of Our Lady of the Forsaken

    The day is devoted to celebrating the Virgen de los Desamparados, Valencia's patron saint. After a formal mass at 08:00 in the Plaça de la Virgen, a ceremonial procession transfers the effigy of the Virgin from the royal chapel to the cathedral next door. A second traditional procession begins at 18:30, in which the effigy follows a more circuitous route around the city centre, accompanied by showers of flower petals and dancing in the streets. This procession proceeds along Carrer dels Cavallers, Carrer de la Bosseria, Plaça del Mercat, Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, Plaça de la Reina, and Carrer de les Avellanes before finally returning to the cathedral at Plaça de l'Almoina.

    Second Sun of May

28. See Not mapped

    Museu Valencià d'Etnologia

    Museo Valenciano de Etnología / Valencian Museum of Ethnology

    The focus of this museum is on cultural traditions in the Valencian Autonomous Community, with three permanent exhibits focusing on life in the country, in the mountains, and in urban areas. Rotating temporary exhibits examine historic and sociological issues.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00·free

29. See Not mapped

    Museu de Prehistòria de València

    Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia / Prehistory Museum of Valencia

    This museum is devoted early regional history, with collections from the Paleolithic to the Visigothic periods. A special highlight is the Guerrer de Moixent (Warrior of Moixent), an early Iberian bronze sculpture from the 5th or 4th century BCE.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00·free

30. Do Not mapped

    Nou d’Octubre

    Diada Nacional del País Valencià / Valencian Community National Day

    This annual public holiday has been celebrated since 1338 and commemorates the date in 1238 when King James I of Aragón entered the city, freeing it from Moorish rule. In the week leading up to the 9th there are free concerts and parades around town, including a correfoc ('fire-running') which takes place on the preceding Saturday evening in the El Carme district. During this same weekend nine governmental palaces which are ordinarily closed to the public are opened for general visitation (Sa and Su 10:00-20:00, free admission). Of these the 15th-century Gothic (Palacio de la Generalidad / Palace of the General Assembly) is the most remarkable, and is well worth the long queue to see the well-preserved interior. Formal festivities commence at midnight on 8 October with a fireworks display from the Túria River park by the Pont de l'Exposició (by Alameda metro station). At noon on the following day a formal procession carries the Valencian flag from the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) to the (Parque del Parterre / Parterre Park), where a wreath is laid before the equestrian statue of King James. The highlight of the 9th itself is the parade of Moros i Cristians (Spanish: Moros y Cristianos), which commences at and proceeds down Carrer de la Pau and Carrer de Sant Vicent, finally terminating at Plaça de l’Ajuntament. The parade starts at 18:30 but it is best to find a spot about a half-hour before the parade begins. The 9th of October is also the day of St. Dionysius, which for Valencians is similar to Valentine's Day. In a tradition dating to the 18th century, it is customary for men to give their sweethearts a mocadorà – a small bundle of marzipan treats shaped like fruits and wrapped in a handkerchief. Beginning a week before the 9th, these can be purchased at pastry shops and even some supermarkets.

    1-9 October

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Valencia (CC BY-SA 4.0).