Lonja de Seda (The Silk Exchange)
Built in the 15th century, the Silk Exchange is Valencia's Gothic monument par excellence. The majority of the "Lonja" (exchange) was built between 1482 and 1492, under master mason Pere Compte. The work was completed by one of his pupils after his death, which explains the presence of Renaissance elements. The Silk Exchange is considered one of Europe's most beautiful examples of Gothic civil architecture. Its similarity with old medieval castles is based on the fierce, fortress-like appearance of its stone walls. It comprises four parts: the Tower, the Sea Consulate Room, the Orange-tree Patio and the Room of Columns. The site covers more than 2,000 square metres indoors and out. On Sundays there is also an exhibition of coins and stamps. Don’t forget to see the “Salón de las Columnas” (The Hall of Columns), an impressive space covered with ribbed vaulting that is held up by slender helicoidally shaped columns which are almost 16 metres high. The Lonja de Seda has been a World Heritage (UNESCO) site since 1996.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Entrance fees:
General: €2.00. Reduced: €1.00. Free: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Address:
Plaza del Mercado (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 525 478
Fax: +34 963 529 634

Quart Towers
This military construction from the Middle Ages was also the former women’s prison. They were constructed by Pere Bofill in the 15th century. Externally, they are two cylindrical towers with flat rear walls and they are a clear example of military construction from the late gothic. They are connected by a smaller rectangular building where the door is located.
Address:
Avenida Guillem de Castro (no number), 46003, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 919 070

Generalitat Palace
This is a building in late gothic style that was constructed in 1421 as the seat of the Valencian Generalitat, the organisation that was in charge of representing the Crown of Valencia before the courts. The palace is laid out on three floors, with rectangular windows on the ground floor, triple windows with columns on the main floor and a gallery in the upper part. A Renaissance fortified tower, the work of Juan Corbera, was added in the 16th century. The tower is decorated with a classical pediment above its windows and Renaissance iconography. The entire building is crowned by a balustrade, adorned with masonry balls, imitating El Escorial. The most striking features of the interior of the building are the courtyard and the tower's Sala Nova hall.
Address:
Plaza de Manises (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 834 61
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Entrance fees:
Free entrance.

El Miguelete Tower
This is a gothic tower adjoining the cathedral and is one of the most emblematic monuments in the town. It is located beside the main entrance of the Cathedral and from on high you can contemplate the spectacular panoramic view of Valencia and its arable lands. Its construction dates from 1381. It has an octagonal ground plan and a solid appearance. On the top floor there are oval windows and it is crowned by an 18th century belfry. Once you have climbed up a steep spiral staircase, a magnificent panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Entrance fees:
General: €2.00
Address:
Plaza de la Reina (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 918 127
Internet: http://www.sagunt.com/turismo/conjunto.htm

Old Almudín Building
This is a commercial style building. It was constructed over the Moorish fortress at the beginning of the 14th century and served as a storehouse in which wheat was deposited and sold. During the 15th and 16th centuries it was enlarged. The elements of a defensive nature stand out on the façade. The interior structure has a classical inspiration, imitating the special distribution of Roman basilicas, and has a gabled roof. Mural paintings, designed to have popular appeal and make allusions to the entrance of wheat into the city, are preserved on its walls. In the year 1996 it was converted into an exhibition hall.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Mondays, 1st of May and 25th of December.
Entrance fees:
Free
Services:
Temporary exhibitions.
Address:
Plaza del Mercado (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 916 354

Los Santos Juanes Church
This church is known as San Juan del Mercado. It was already in existence in the 13th century, but was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 14th century after a fire. A nave with a ceiling of ribbed vaulting remains from that period. In the 16th century it suffered another fire and was rebuilt again, this time in Baroque style, with the intervention of Vicente García. The vaulted ceiling still has frescos by Antonio Palomino. In the central part of its Baroque portal, mention should be made of the statue of the Virgen del Rosario, surrounded by angels, attributed to Bertessi.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from 7.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and holidays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Entrance fees:
Free
Address:
Plaza del Mercado (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 916 354

Serranos Towers
This is a gateway belonging to the late medieval defensive wall. It was built by master stonemason Pere Balaguer in the 14th century to defend one of the busiest points of access to old Valencia. It comprises two pentagonal structures on either side of the gateway, which is formed by a voussoir semicircular arch. The interior façade has large, arched openings, designed as galleries. In the 16th century it was converted to become a prison for nobles and gentlemen, for which it was used until 1887. Nowadays it has been declared an Object of Cultural Interest.
Opening hours:
April to September, Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. October to March from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Mondays
Entrance fees:
Free
Address:
Plaza Fueros (no number), 46003, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 919 070

Valencia Cathedral
The gothic style cathedral is the grand church of Valencia and, along with the Miguelete Tower, one of the landmarks of the city.
The cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque, and work on it began in the 13th century, although it underwent many minor changes through to the 17th century. Various different architectural styles come together in the building, with Gothic being easily the most dominant. One of the gems of the church's interior is the Santo Cáliz Chapel, the former chapter house, with a beautiful ribbed vaulting with star motifs, an image of heaven with the 12 apostles and the coronation of the Virgin Mary. Of all the objects you can see there, special mention should be made of the relic of the Holy Grail, a cup from the 1st century AD which, tradition has it, Jesus used to institute the Holy Eucharist. On the exterior of the Cathedral, meanwhile, you will find the outstanding Puerta del Palau door, the church's oldest, in Romanesque style with Mudejar elements, and the 15th century Apostles' door. It is on this spot every Thursday at Midday, that the Water Tribunal meets. This is an institution set up by King James I of Spain in the Middle Ages, formed by eight rural workers chosen every two years by Valencia farmers. Its objective is to administer justice in the sphere of irrigation and the distribution of water from the Turia River, using a spoken process in the Valencian language, whose resolutions are final and binding. The Water Tribunal survives to this day as a model institution.
Address:
Plaza de la Reina (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 918 127
Internet: http://www.catedralvalencia.es

Virgin de los Desamparados Basilica
This Baroque church, dedicated to the city's patron saint, was the most important religious building and was constructed in Valencia in the 17th century.
The Basilica was built between 1652 and 1667, and is the only church in the historical centre that was not built on the site of a former parish church or convent - it was an entirely new work. Another unusual thing about it is that the dome is off-centre, favouring the direction of the Cathedral. Also worthy of note is its side-chapel, a characteristic Baroque element: it is dedicated to the adoration of the image of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the earliest side-chapels to be found in Spain, and access is via a staircase.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Entrance fees:
Free
Address:
Plaza de la Virgin (no number), 46003, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 918 611
Internet: http://www.basilicadesamparados.org/

The Round Square
Plaza Redonda square stands out for its shape and bustling commerce.
This unusual work by Salvador Escrig Melchor dates from the 19th century, it was designed with commerce in mind and made circular so as to form an enclosed area. Traditionally known as "el clot" (the hole), its lower floor is occupied by shops selling all kinds of items. On Sunday mornings there is also a local market. The square is topped by three further floors with wrought iron railings and single balconies. There is a fountain from 1850 in the centre of the plaza.
Address:
Junction of Calles Pescadería, Vallanca and Síndico, 46001, Valencia (Valencia)

Palace of Music
Its acoustics have been universally praised and it is considered to be one of the most important auditoriums in Europe.
Inaugurated in 1987, it is located next to the Turia Gardens and is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city of Valencia. Being transparent is one of its main characteristics. A large glass vault that runs parallel to the course of the Turia River, perfectly integrated with the surrounding gardens, serves as a main entrance. It was designed by the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. The outside light and harmony is transferred to the interior through the glass, which creates a warm environment. The different concert rooms are accessed by crossing the enormous hall.
Opening hours:
Guided visit by prior arrangement by Phone Number or fax.
Address:
Paseo de la Alameda 30, 46023, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 375 020
Fax: +34 963 370 988
Internet: http://www.palaudevalencia.com

Exhibition Bridge
This is one of the architectural elements that highlight Valencia’s Avant-garde character.
Known popularly as “La Peineta” (the hairdo) for its unusual form, this bridge was designed by the famous Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava. It is a harmonious set, which finds solutions to combine engineering works with an impacting aesthetic. The single-span bridge, constructed from highly resistant steel, has a 14 metre high inclined arch that stretches from one side to the other.
Address:
Calle de la Justicia – Paseo de la Alameda, 46002, Valencia (Valencia)

Central Market
It was planned in 1914, although this great modernist building wasn’t inaugurated until 1928.
Valencia’s central market occupies more than 8000 square metres and has two floors where an eclectic pre-modernist style predominates. Its unusual roof comprises original domes and sloping sections at different heights, while the interior is lined with a range of materials such as iron, wood, ceramics and polychrome tiles. The beauty of the building stands out especially on account of the light that enters through the roof at various points, and through coloured window panels.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays
Address:
Plaza del Mercado (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 829 100
Internet: http://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/

Santa Catalina Church and Tower
Santa Catalina Church is one of the oldest in Valencia.
The church dates from the Middle Ages, and is built on the site of a former mosque. It is the only Gothic church in the city with a retrochoir in the transept, a style that can also be seen in the Cathedral. A large part of the building was rebuilt in the 16th century after being destroyed by a fire. The bell tower, conversely, dating from the 17th century, is in Baroque style and is the monument’s most outstanding feature. It is hexagonal, with five levels, and is topped by a niche and a small dome. Santa Catalina Tower marks the entrance to the well-known Mercat neighbourhood.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Entrance fees:
Free
Address:
Plaza de Santa Catalina (no number), 46001, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 917 713

The Northern Station
This Modernist building was inaugurated in 1917 and is in the style known as "Viennese Secession". The Northern Station is one of the city's finest examples of civil architecture. Whether you look at the exterior or the interior finish, it shows a unique, homogenous style within the bounds of Modernism. The façades are symmetrical, with numerous floral, colouristic decorative elements. The central body of the main façade, providing access to the station, is especially outstanding, as are the towers at either end. Inside, the exuberant décor attracts attention, with abundant work in wrought iron, wood, coloured ceramics and high-quality mosaics on ceilings, floors and walls.
Address:
Calle Xátiva 24, 46007, Valencia (Valencia)

San Miguel de los Reyes Monastery
This building houses Valencia's library. It used to be a Hieronymite monastery. It was erected in the 16th century on the site of an old abbey. The building, which has “El Escorial” influences, was built according to the plans of Juan de Vidaña and Alonso de Covarrubias. One of the most remarkable features of the church is its Renaissance façade-altarpiece, flanked by two towers. Built in the 17th century, it has only one nave, with the choir on one end, and a beautiful cupola that rises above the transept. The monastery was sold when church lands were auctioned in the 19th century. Nowadays it houses Valencia's Library.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Entrance fees:
Free
Services:
Free guided tours: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for the general public at midday and 1 p.m.
Address:
Avenida Constitución 284, 46019, Valencia (Valencia)
Phone Number: +34 963 874 000
Internet: http://bv.gva.es/screens/biblioteca_val.html