circuits: destination valencia

VALENCIA

Tourist Tips:

The legacy of the 2007 America's Cup is evident on the waterfront region of the city, where new developments have refreshed and revitalised the area.

Nineteen million tourists a year visit the region, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Visitors stopping in the city of valencia each year come mainly to enjoy the cultural, leisure and sports lineup, its beaches and cuisine, together with the good climate and the friendliness of the local people. 

The ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen contain buildings dating to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of Gothic style but contains elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding the city.

UNESCO has recognised the Late Gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a World Heritage Site. The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station Estación Del Norte is built in art deco style.

World-renowned (and city-born) architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Cičncies), which contains an opera house/performing arts centre, a science museum, an IMAX cinema/planetarium, an oceanographic park and other structures such as a long covered walkway and restaurants. Calatrava is also responsible for the bridge named after him in the centre of the city. The Music Palace (Palau De La Música) is another good example of modern architecture in Valencia. 

Suggestions for sightseeing:

  • City of Arts & Science
  • The Hemispheric (planetarium, IMAX)
  • Opera House
  • L'Umbracle (walkway/garden)
  • Science Museum
  • Open air Oceanographic Park
  • Barri del Carme (old centre)
  • The Music Palace
  • The Seu cathedral
  • La Lonja de La Seda (ancient site of silk trade & UNESCO landmark)
  • The Mercat Central
  • Museum Fine Art
  • Torres de Quart (mediaeval tower)
  • Beaches of Saler

 

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