Valencia Monuments

Saint Domingo's convent: This famous convent once hosted the office of Valencia's beloved Saint Vicente Ferrer. Nowadays it is the seat of the Capitania General. Since it was first built in the 13th century it has been through much restoration. The outstanding features are the 14th century cloister and the King's chapel.

The Almudín: In 1969 the "Almudín was declared a Historic Heritage Monument of artistic importance. The building was originally used as a place of commerce including the trade of wheat and grain. Since 1996 it has been used as a hall for exhibitions.

The Town Hall: First built in the 18th century, Valencia's magnificent Town Hall or Ayuntamiento has seen quite a few changes to its appearance. Its present day facade was designed in 1915 by Carlos Carbonell and Francisco Mora. The interior of the building boasts a spectacular marble staircase and the Festival Hall.

The Arab Baths: The Arabs Baths of Almirante date back to the 8th century. They are the clearest example that Valencia has of islamic architecture. The original islamic name given to the Almirante baths was Al-Malik which translates as "to serve the King".

Saint Vincent Ferrer's Basilica: This is actually a work which hails from the 20th century realised by Francisco Almenar and J. M. Arnau. It was designed with the classic Gothic style in mind. It boasts some magnificent stained glass windows depicted with odes to Saint Vincent Ferrer within its three naves.

The City of Arts and Sciences: This superb collection of buildings is fast becoming the definitive representation of Valencia throughout the world. Built directly on top of the dry riverbed of the old Túria. Designed by Valencia's beloved son Santiago Calatrava, the entire complex occupies some 350,000 square metres. It consists of four main sections: the Hemispheric, the Oceanographic, the Science Museum of Prince Philip and the Palace of Arts which houses the new concert hall.

The Cathedral: Steeped in history, the main Cathedral in Valencia's plaza de la Virgen, was erected atop the site of a former Roman temple and Muslim mosque. Its present aspect dates from the 13th century and through the passing of the years it has adopted designs from styles as diverse as romanesque, gothic and baroque. It is the site of the Water Tribunal which is an ancient ritual during which the leaders decide the rates and distribution of water supply in Valencia.

The Micalet: This is the tower that stands so proud on the corner of Valencia's plaza de la Reina. Constructed in the 14th century, the tower has an octagonalbase and acts as the official belfry or bell tower for the cathedral. The name Micalet translates directly as 'little Michael', the name given in the 16th century to the bell itself.

The Post Office: Work on this majestic building was completed in 1919 under the guidance of architect Miguel Ángel Navarro. The real splendour of this construction can be seen in its interior where you will find the magnificent glass dome. The most outstanding feature of the Post Office, however, is the metal and steel communications tower that sits high on top.

The Central Train Station: Here we find another great example of Valencia's art nouveau movement. The artistic climate at the turn of the century allowed designer and architect Demetrio Ribes to create elaborate decorations and images all over the train station. The ceilings flaunt some amazing works in ceramics with the theme of orange cultivation to the fore.

La Lonja; Money Exchange and Silk Market: This beautiful sandstone building is a classic example of Valencia's gothic architecture of the 15th century. Once inside, you will be impressed by the towering pillars that spiral up to the the elaborate ceiling. Historically, La Lonja was used as a centre for trade and commerce. It was a like a stock exchange and a place for trading gold and silk.

The Central Market: Built in 1918 on the site of the ancient market by locals Francesc Guardia and Aleixandre Soler. One of the largest covered markets in the world, Valencia's central market occupies an whopping 9,000 square metres and hold in total 900 vending stalls. You will find almost everything on sale here, ranging from ostrich eggs or octopus to horse meat and fresh baked cakes. A visit to the market will fill you with wonder and lasting memories.

The Columbus Market or Mercado Colón: This splendid construction is yet another great example of Valencia's art nouveau movement. Completed in 1916 by Francisco Mora Berenguer the market's spacious glory is displayed in its high ceilings and stained glass artwork. The outstanding element of the market's beauty is the amazing ceramic work which graces its every corner. Nowadays it is a space for trendy bars and restaurants. Well worth a visit.

The Bullring: The first impression that you get when you see the bullring in Valencia's city centre is that you've seen it before. This may be due to its resemblance to the Coliseum in Rome. Since its opening in 1850, the bullring has witnessed many spectacular shows and bullfights. Bullfighting is still as popular as ever among Spanish people and as many as 17,000 spectators can cram into the bullring during the fighting season. The bullring also hosts live music concerts, circus and many other shows. The Bullfighting museum housed within the grounds of the bullring is also worth a visit. The bullring sits conveniently beside the central train station.

Palau de la Música concert hall: This beautifully designed modern building is situated down in the park that is the riverbed of the old Túria. From the outside it looks like a huge crystal palace or greenhouse. From inside the concert hall you can look out over the huge fountain that sits in the middle of the old river. The inside of the auditorium itself is of splendid modern and professional design.

Plaza Redonda; the round square: Built by Salvador Escrig in 1840, the Plaza Redonda has a curious character in that it is around in shape. Banked by apartments of up to 4 storeys high it can get your head spinning once you set foot in it. For years it has by used as a market and meeting place. Nowadays it is the scene of some fantastic handcraft stalls and souvenir shops. It can be found just off the Plaza de la Reina. On Sundays it is heaving with venders for its Sunday market.

Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart: These towers formed the ancient gateways to the city when it was a walled fortress. They date from the 14th and 15th century and have witnessed many historic events. Over the years they have been used respectively as viewing posts, prisons and hideouts. The Torres de Serranos can be found where the street called Calle Serranos meets the Serranos bridge on the riverbed. The Torres de Quart sits at the junction of the street called Guillem de Castro and Calle Quart.