June 19th - 22nd Valencia
Sunday (19jun): I arrive around 12:30 to Valencia. Everyone else arrives around 4:30. You'll be exhausted! I'll meet you at international baggage claim and we have a taxi that will take us (and all your bags) to the apartment.
Monday (20jun): So many things to do... but many are closed on Monday. Itinerary to follow.
Tuesday (21jun): This is a great day to go to the Fallas Museum and the City of Arts and Sciences. I have been told the Aquarium is amazing. If you are interested, it's 35 euros to enter.
Wednesday (22jun): We should walk around Old Town and see the sites that are closed on Mondays before heading to Alicante.
Things in Valencia to look forward to!
1. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València
Tourists can experience a cutting-edge world of arts and sciences at this futuristic complex on the outskirts of Valencia. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València (The City of Arts and Sciences) is one of Europe's most impressive centers dedicated to cultural and scientific exhibitions.
In a two-kilometer space along the Turia River, the complex includes several stunning examples of avant-garde architecture designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.
The Ciudad complex has six main areas: the Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema, which screens 3-D digital films and serves as a planetarium; the Umbracle landscaped area with excellent views; the Museu de les Ciències, an interactive museum with exhibits about science, the environment, and technology; the Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium; the Palau de les Arts opera house; and the Ágora concert space.
The City of Arts and Sciences also hosts conferences, exhibitions, and workshops related to science and art topics.
Address: 5 Avenida Autopista del Saler, València
Official site: http://www.cac.es/en/home.html
2. The Fallas Museum
Valenicia is a fun place to visit March, when the city becomes a scene of joyous celebration during the Fiesta de San José (Feast Day of Saint Joseph), a lively religious festival and a famous local tradition. The festival includes traditional music and food (paella), a parade, fireworks, and unique art exhibits.
The festival is known for its creative installations called fallas, large floats featuring figures made of papier mâché. These creations are set up in the streets and then burned at midnight on the last day of the fiesta. The custom originated in the Middle Ages, when carpenters and other craftsmen would burn leftover scraps of wood and other materials on the feast of Saint Joseph.
We will take an hour or two to go throught The Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum) on Plaza Monteolivete. This museum offers a chance to see the ninots (figures) that were saved over the years. It is interesting to see how the ninots have evolved with technology, from early wax figures dressed in real clothes to modern ones made of papier-mâché and most recently of polystyrene.
Address: Plaza Monteolivete 4, València
3. Oceanogràfic de València
The striking building designed by architect Félix Candela as part of The City of the Arts and Sciences houses the largest aquarium in Europe. It is actually a complex of several buildings, each dedicated to one of the earth's most important marine ecosystems and environments: Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical, Oceans, Mediterranean, Antarctic, Arctic and Islands, and the Red Sea.
More than 500 different marine species are represented by 45,000 sea creatures, visible in nine towers that allow viewing as though visitors are underwater. The most dramatic of these is the tunnel, where visitors walk surrounded on both sides and overhead by swimming sharks. Elsewhere are beluga whales, sea lions, walruses, penguins, seals, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Along with watching the sea life, you can experience mangrove swamps, marshlands, kelp forests, and other wetland environments with their native plant species. You can also dine at the Submarine Restaurant, which is encircled by giant aquariums.
Address: Autopista del Saler 5, València
Official site: https://www.oceanografic.org/en/
4. La Lonja de Seda
This magnificent Gothic structure was built in the 15th century to house the city's Silk Exchange, the marketplace where the famous Valencian silk was traded with merchants (to be sold all over Europe). The monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in Europe, La Lonja de Seda resembles a medieval castle with its crenellated exterior and formidable tower. The facade features richly decorated doorways, decorative windows, and gargoyles (the grotesque carved creatures that function as waterspouts). The main hall has rich stellar vaulting borne on twisted columns.
Visitors may climb the 144 stone steps of the tower's helical staircase. From the top of the tower, the views of the town are stunning. This attraction is open to the public daily.
Address: Plaza del Mercado, València
5. Mercado Central
Opposite the Lonja, the Mercado Central (Central Market) is a spacious marketplace built in 1928. The Art Nouveau building is lavishly adorned with azulejos, decorative ceramics typical of the region. The hall contains hundreds of market stalls where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products from the Valencia region, as well as other areas of Spain.
The Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, a lovely 14th-century church is found immediately next to the market hall. This church has an exquisite Baroque facade and a gorgeous ceiling painting created by Palomino in 1700.
Address: Plaza del Mercado, València
Official site: https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/
6. Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de València
This is my favorite church in the whole world...
and I've been to the Vatican!
This church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari and St. Peter the Martyr was founded in the 13th century on the site of a Roman sanctuary. The Romanesque church was renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century, and its interior was finished in the 1690s in the Baroque style.
Although the exterior is quite simple and somber, the church has a sumptuous interior that is one of the most ornate of all Valencia's churches. The sanctuary features breathtaking frescoes that cover the walls and ceilings. The frescoes were designed by Antonio Palomino, while the actual painting was completed by Dionis Vidal. The frescoes represent scenes from the lives of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr.
With its lavish frescoes and sculptural embellishments, this church is a gem of Baroque art. The impressive scale of the ceiling frescoes is unique in the world.
Address: Carrer dels Cavallers 35, València
7. Catedral de València
The Catedral de València (Catedral del Santo Cáliz) stands out as one of the most unusual cathedrals in Spain owing to its mishmash of architectural styles. Originally this location was the site of an ancient Roman temple and then a Moorish mosque. At this spot which is steeped in history, the cathedral was constructed beginning in the 13th century. Renovations were made in the 15th century and 17th century.
The exterior combines original Romanesque architectural elements with sculptural details added later in the Middle Ages. Dazzling in its Gothic splendor, the interior is a somber high-vaulted space embellished with Renaissance paintings and elegant Baroque art.
Before entering, spend time admiring the facade. The splendid Puerta del Palau doorway dates to the Romanesque era, while the Puerta de los Apóstoles (Apostles' Doorway) dates from the 15th century. The interior has an inspiring ambience with its majestic domed ceiling and a rose window illuminating the space. The various chapels are adorned with masterpieces of art, including paintings by Goya and a crucifix by Alonso Cano.
A highlight of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Holy Grail, with delicate vaulting and star motifs. This chapel illustrates a scene of the 12 apostles in Heaven and the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The most sacred object is a reliquary containing the Holy Chalice, an artifact from the first century AD said to be the goblet that Jesus used to perform the Holy Eucharist.
The Cathedral of Valencia also has a museum, the Museo Catedral de València, which displays a prestigious collection of religious art. A variety of styles from different time periods (Gothic, Renaissance, etc.) are on display. The museum boasts many exceptional artworks including paintings by Mariano Salvador Maella and Francisco de Goya.
In addition to visiting the interior of the cathedral and the cathedral museum, tourists may ascend El Miguelete (the Miguelete Tower) to admire superb views. The 207-step climb to the top of the tower rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of Valencia's cityscape.
Address: Plaza de la Reina, València
Official site: http://www.catedraldevalencia.es/en/
8. Plaza de la Virgen
Overlooking the cathedral, the Plaza de la Virgen is among the oldest (it dates to Roman times) and loveliest of Valencia's many plazas. The graceful Neptune fountain at the center of the Plaza de la Virgen is the work of Valencia sculptor Silvestre Edeta. Lighted at night, it's a favorite meeting place among locals.
The square is bordered by several landmark buildings. Across the square is the Palace of the Generalitat and next to the Catedral de València is the Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, the most important (and also the first) Baroque church in Valencia. This church is renowned for its magnificent fresco on the dome ceiling that was painted by Antonio Palomino in 1703.
9. Iglesia de Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri
With its dazzling blue-tiled dome, this beautiful church exemplifies the characteristic Mediterranean style of Valencia. Built in 1725, the Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip was listed as a National Historic Monument in 1982.
The church has a fancifully decorated Baroque facade, and the architectural layout was modeled after the much-imitated Il Gesú church in Rome. The breathtaking interior has a spacious central nave lined with numerous side chapels.
Catholic mass is held at the church daily. The monument is not open to the public for visit, but tourists may attend a mass to see the lovely sanctuary.
Address: Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, València
10. Museo Arqueológico de la Almoina
Beneath a sleek modern building across from the cathedral, La Almoina Archaeological Museum gives visitors a glimpse of the civilizations that have contributed to Valencia's heritage. Discovered during excavations between 1985 and 2005 are well-preserved remains of the first settlement here by the Romans, more than 2,000 years ago.
There are remnants (dating to the 2nd century) of the Roman baths and streets, including a sanctuary, part of the forum portico. A baptistery and the apse of a church are from early Christian times. The era of Moorish rule is revealed in vestiges of a courtyard, pool, and fortifications from the Alcázar of the old Muslim city.
Together with historic pottery and other artifacts found underneath modern Valencia, the excavated area is considered one of Europe's best archaeological sites. The ancient ruins are covered with plexiglass to allow for easy viewing, and walking paths are lined with railings for a pleasant tourist experience.
Address: Plaza Décimo Junio Bruto, València
12. Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas (Ceramics Museum)
Near the Església de Sant Martí (Church of San Martín) is the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, an 18th-century aristocratic palace that belonged to a prominent noble family. The palace is renowned for its opulently decorated facade and refined, ornately decorated interior.
The palace now houses the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics, which opened in 1947. The museum presents more than 5,000 examples of traditional pottery from Valencia and the surrounding area, azulejos (blue glazed ceramic) from Teruel, and faience (glazed earthenware) from Toledo and Seville.
Other interesting items on display include ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab pottery; and fine porcelain from the Silk Route (China) and Japan. The collection also contains modern pieces, including works by Picasso, and contemporary items.
A highlight of the collection is the fully equipped 19th-century Valencian kitchen featuring traditional tiles.
Address: 2 Calle Poeta Querol, València
Official site: http://www.mecd.gob.es/mnceramica
13. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de València
The National Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful place to discover the artistic heritage of the Valencia region. The museum displays archeological findings, paintings, and sculptures, from the medieval period to the 20th century. Much of the art collection represents medieval religious paintings created by Valencian artists or works created for Valencia churches.
Among the museum's most precious works are the 14th-century altarpiece of Fray Bonifacio Ferrer (a Valencian friar) and a triptych of the Passion by Hieronymus Bosch. The assortment of 16th-century to 19th-century Spanish paintings is also interesting.
Highlights of the Valencian painting collection are the Last Supper and Saint Bruno by Francisco Ribalta and Saint Jerome by Jusepe de Ribera. Other Spanish masters represented include Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, El Greco, Francisco de Goya and Luis de Morales.
Adjoining the Museum of Art is the Jardines del Real, a peaceful green space filled with statues, fountains, and walking paths.
Address: 9 San Pio V, València
Official site: http://www.museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/
14. Institut València d'Art Moderne
Housed in a surprising Space-Age building, the Valencia Institute of Modern Art is dedicated to the avant-garde art of the 20th century. The permanent collection covers all movements of modern and avant-garde art, including Analytical Abstraction, Pop Art, and New Figurative.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. In striking contrast to the modern building, an underground room of the museum reveals ruins of Valencia's medieval city wall. The archeological remains were uncovered during construction of the museum.
Well designed for visitors, the museum has a trendy casual restaurant, Mascaraque, which serves contemporary-style Mediterranean cuisine and has a pleasant outdoor terrace. There is also a library with a bookshop and Reading Room; the library contains over 40,000 books and documents on topics of modern art.
Address: 118 Calle Guillem de Castro, València
Official site: http://www.ivam.es/en/
15. Torres de Serranos (Ancient Town Gate)
This impressive landmark is a symbol of Valencia. The Torres de Serranos represents an ancient gate of the Old Town and recalls an era when the town was surrounded by defense walls. The town ramparts were built in the 14th century on top of Roman foundations.
In 1930, the Serranos Towers were restored to their former glory. From these massive towers, visitors can take in sweeping views of the cityscape. The archway of the entrance gate features decorative Gothic details and two shields of the city.
Address: Plaza dels Furs, València
16. Spend a Day at Playa del Saler
One of the most popular beaches in the Valencia region, this pristine stretch of sand is just 16 kilometers from Valencia in the La Albufera Natural Park. Two other beautiful beaches border El Saler Beach: Playa L'Arbre del Gos; and to the south, La Garrofera beach. This idyllic stretch of fine sandy shoreline extends for 2.6 kilometers and is protected from the wind by dunes and pine trees.
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