VALENCIA MONUMENTS

Travel today to Valencia, known for its orange groves and its annual Fallas celebration,

a fiesta of bonfires, music and fireworks.

On today's guided tour of Valencia, travel along the city's broad boulevards and past its bell towers. Visit the city's cathedral, where you can view the ancient chalice said to be the Holy Grail; then continue on to Alonja and the Fallas Museum.

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Ayora Palace and Gardens

Santos Justo y Pastor, s/n; 46021 Valencia

Built in 1900 for José Ayora, this is one of the few residential constructions that was built in the city. Its interior, of which hardly any remains are now left, was lavishly decorated with relief paintings and stained glass. It was about to be demolished in 1983, but a lucky classification as a historic artistic monument meant this was maintained and enabled the later restoration of its facades.

Inorder to protect the building from humidity, it was raised above ground level. Its decorative front has a broad staircase, rising to the cenrtal main entrance.

Ayuntamiento - City Hall

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1

A splendid building and an architectural beauty. It was originally the old schoolhouse. The building was erected at the start of the century. Inside also has some notable features, such as the Hemiciclo (Council Chamber), the Salón de Cristal (Glass Hall) and the Municipal History Archive.

Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

Plaza de la Virgen

Baroque church constructed in memory of la Virgen Patrona de la ciudad (the city's patron saint). Built in the 17th century. Inside contains some interesting frescoes by Palomino. The building has recently finished undergoing construction work.

Blasco Ibanez Museum

Isabel de Villena, 157; 46011 Valencia

The Malvarrosa beach has been a summer amusement resort for the Valencian population since the middle of the 19th century. People travelled there in carriages and by "trenet" (trolley) to go swimming, in areas strictly separated by gender, and to enjoy the sea breeze protected by the awnings and the parasols, which are scenes that were continually painted by Joaquín Sorolla.

The wealthy, however, built villas next to the beach, where they spent the hottest months of the summer. This was also done by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, the famous novelist, who built his chalet in 1902. It is a three-story building, without a clear style, which is noted for its large terrace supported by caryatids, which opens onto the sea. Blasco wrote some of his most well known works there, seated at a stupendous stone table. The building was abandoned and left to ruin until the Eighties decade. It was recently rebuilt by the Town Council who have respected its original façade and have inaugurated it as the Blasco Ibáñez House Museum. It now contains portraits and sculptures of the author and his family, as well as furniture, documents, and other curious items from his lifetime.

Opening hours: Tue - Sat 09.15 - 14.00 then 16.30 - 20.00
Sun and Holidays 09.15 - 14.00
Entrance Fee: Free

Catedral - The Cathedral

Plaza de la Reina

The City's main Cathedral. It was built on a site that was originally used by Romans and Arabs. Excavation work has uncovered a large area of the original groundwork, which can be viewed at the rear of the Cathedral. Inside are the outstanding chapels of the Holy Grail and the Borga family and an artwork by Goya.

Colon Market

Calles Cirilo Amorós y Jorge Juan; 46004 Valencia

Located in one of the largest blocks in the first city extension, which was originally intended for residential use, this is one of the most relevant examples of Valencian modernism. It was started in 1914 and, though intended to be completed in twelve months, the work actually took twice as long. The design is by Francisco Mora Berenguer, whose original idea was to create an open space. The idea is superb and allows a view right through it, producing a pleasant sensation of clarity and transparency, which fit in perfectly with what the architect was clearly attempting to achieve. The metal structure on cast pillars is framed by two mighty brick end walls, broken by imposing arches in which there is a brilliant ornamental use of diverse materials, mainly stone and mosaic, all forming a extraordinary composition. Opening hours: n/a
Entrance Fee: n/a

Convento de Santo de Domingo

Plaza de Tetuán, 22

This is an amazing gothic complex, which is currently used as the military headquarters. The Renaissance style facade was proposed by King Felipe II

Correos y Telégrafos

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 24

An superb building, that has been recently restored. The building was started at the beginning of the 20th century and completed in 1920. The recently renovated stained glass windows on the inside are striking. Since the refurbishment the building is being used as the central post office once again.

Estación del Norte - Northern Station

Calles Xativa, Alicante y Bailén

A modernist building built by the architect Demetrio Ribes. The building was officially opened in 1917. It serves as the main RENFE line into Valencia with lines direct to the rest of Europe. Outstanding on the outside with its tasteful and elegant interior decor.

Finca Roja - Red Building

Calles Jesús, Marva, Albacete y Maluquer

Listed as on of the top 50 Spanish buildings of the 20th century. Construceted as living quarters by the architect Enrique Viedma. Built in the style of the School of Amsterdam.

La Lonja - The Exchange Plaza del Mercado One of Europes most important Gothic monuments. pere Compte was one of the main people involved in its construction, which was continued after his death by several other masters. It comprises of 3 main buildiings. The Sala de Contratacíon, the Torreón and the Consulado del Mar. Opening hours: Tue - Sat 09.15 - 14.00 then 17.30 - 21.00 Sun and Holidays 09.15 - 14.00 Entrance Fee: Free
Mercado Central - The Central Market Plaza del Mercado Contructed in a mordernist style in 1910-1926 by architects Alejandro Soler and Francisco Guardia. The market has almost 1000 stalls serving fresh food. It is also one of the largest markets in Europe with a spacious 8000 sq. metres. Opening hours: Tue - Thurs 08.00 - 14.30 Fri 08.00 - 20.30 Sat 08.00 - 15.00 Entrance Fee: n/a
Monasterio San Miguel de los Reyes Avda. de la Constitución, 284 An excellent example of 16th century Renaissance architecture. The building has been recently restored and is now used as the headquarters of the Valencian library Opening hours: Mon - Fri 09.00 to 20.30 Sat, Sun, Holidays 09.00 to 13.30 Guided visits from 17.00 - 20.00 Entrance Fee: Free
Palau de la Genelaritat Calle cabelleros, 2 A 15th Century Gothic nuilbing comprised of many diverse styles. It has to fortified towers of which one was built in 1952 in the style of the original tower constructed in 1519. Outside are the courts of the King of Spain from 1421. The bulding is currently the headquarters of the Presidencia de la Genelaritat Valencia Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09.00 - 14.00 Info: Visit by appointment. Entrance Fee: Free
Palau de la Musica Paseo de la Alameda, 30; 46023 Valencia Located next to the Turia Garden, the Palau de la Música is one of the most emblematic buildings in Valencia today, and is also one of the country's leading auditoriums. Inaugurated in 1987, its creator, the architect José María de Paredes, conceived it as a huge glass vault that is perfectly integrated with the garden that it accesses; Designed by Ricardo Bofill, its light, water, and plants are harmoniously blended to welcome the visitors that come to listen to excellent music. After passing through its giant lobby, one enters the concert halls: the symphonic one has a fan shape and seats an audience of 1,800 and the smaller one is ideal for chamber music. The Palau's acoustics have been universally praised by the musicians and singers that have performed on its stage, such as Plácido Domingo, who at the conclusion of his first concert, spontaneously exclaimed: "The Palau is a Stradivarius". Opening hours: n/a Info: Call for Timetables Entrance Fee: n/a

Plaza Redonda Plaza Redonda A small area that is tucked away just behind calle Vicente is also accessible from La Lonja and in fact has 5 entrances. It is was designed by Salvador Escrig and is also known as the hole (el clot). It has a fountian in the centre and is home to a Sunday market where they sell brids amongst other small animals. Opening hours: n/a Entrance Fee: n/a
Torres de Quart C/ Guillem de Castro Constructed in the 15th century by Pere Bonfill. It has two Gothic style towers and originally formed part of the defence system for the city. In 1623, the municipal council decided to use the towers as a women's' jail, and from 1813 to 1932 it was used as a military prison. Traditionally the towers are known as the towers of "lime", due to an 18th century decree stating that all the lime which came into the city had to pass through this door. Opening hours: n/a Entrance Fee: Free
Torres de Serrano - Serrano Towers Plaza de los Fueros Constructed in the 14th century by pere Balaguer. The walls were demolished in 1865, which only left the tower in place. It originally formed part of the defence system forthe city. You can currently visit the Torres de Serrano, which have been declared a monument of historic and artistic interest, and enjoy splendid views of the city and the river Turia from its terraces. The beginning of La Fallas is announced from here with the Crida Opening hours: Tue. - Sat. 9.15 - 14.00 / 17.00 - 21.00 Sun and holidays 09.15 - 14.00 Entrance Fee: Free

MU01. VALENCIA MONUMENTS TOUR - Walking / By Bike

Days of Operation: By Request
Price: By Request

"Half Day or Full Day Tour- Private tour of the Valencia Museums and Monuments:

Taking into account the profile of each person or group we design the most suitable itinerary departing from the hotel, conference centre, port... Tours can be organized by day or by night, including a lunch or dinner, etc.

Highlights:

The most suitable itineraries are:

• Private guided tour

• Complete Valencia: Turia Gardens, Historical city centre.

• Historical Valencia: Turia Gardens and Historical city centre (4½ hours).

• City of Arts and Sciences and Turia Gardens (4½ hours).

• Tours in and around Valencia.

• Tour with a professional guide and fast entry ticket
• Walk or ride through the City and see the Monuments of interest.
• Photostop at certain points
• Pub lunch (Optional)

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