5

6

7

10

16

22

24

24

26

28

30

32

34

36

38

41

42

43

44

44

45

46

48

48

49

IntroductionA tour of the sights and museums

Churches and religious buildings

Civic monuments and other buildings of interest

Museums

The gardens of the cityDiscover the city and the environs

From Valencia to the sea

Excursions round the Albufera

Through the heart of the city

A cultural stroll

Cultural lifeBusiness citySportsFiestasValencia by nightThe mediterranean dietCraftsmanshipExcursions from Valencia

Along the coast

The interior

AccommodationPractical tipsTourist InfoLinks

CONTENTS

5

Not many cities are capable of so harmoniously

combining a fine array of sights from the distant past

with innovative, avant-garde constructions now being

erected to mark the start of a new millennium. Valencia,

whose founding dates back to 138 BC, is one of these

fortunate few.

Taking a stroll round Valencia allows one to sense the

power of many centuries of history. Stone towers and

sturdy buildings speak to us from the past. From the

remains of the Roman forum founded by Junius Brutus

located in today’s Plaza de la Virgen - part of the Roman

city of Valentia - to the emblematic City of the Arts and

Sciences, this town has transformed its physiognomy

over the years while preserving its monuments from

the past.

Valencia conserves many of its ancient customs,

traditions and centuries-old festivities, which local

inhabitants have integrated into present-day pageantry.

The renowned Water Court, held outside the Cathedral

every Thursday at noon for the last ten centuries, and

the famous Fallas festivities in March - from 15th to

19th - are just two examples of a city that keeps its

origins alive and well.

Valencia has become a leading congress and conference

venue in Europe and a rendezvous for businesspeople

and companies interested in exhibiting at the city's

trade events. This has contributed to Valencia's

cosmopolitan outlook, with a complete range of

infrastructures and services, plus a full lineup of cultural

pursuits and entertainment. The new Congress Centre

consolidates this lineup, making the city an ideal site

for commercial and cultural activities.

Valencia’s mild climate is another reason to come for

a stay. It's warm atmosphere can always be felt in this

city. Inviting and hospitable. Ready to be enjoyed.

6

A TOUR OF THE SIGHTS AND MUSEUMS

Seeing the sights in Valencia is a question of strolling the

streets and discovering its many attractions, some of which

are unexpectedly hidden away. Its rich architecture is

complemented by the many treasures on display in museums

and the panoramic views from many vantage points.

Local museums, practically all of which are located in

interesting buildings themselves, are another attraction for

visitors to Valencia. The art lineup includes works of art from

past epochs all the way through to contemporary art, historical

remains and archeological exhibits, not to mention special

interest museums for bullfighting, toys, silk fabrics and, of

course, the Fallas.

Almost all museums stage temporary exhibits in addition to

showing their permanent holdings. Visitors can also enjoy art

in local art galleries throughout the city. Tourist information

offices can provide details on opening times and prices.

Monday is usually a closing day for museums and exhibits.

Cathedral tel. 96 391 81 27

The Cathedral of Valencia is located on the site of the city’s very first temple, dating from

Roman times, which later became a Moorish mosque. The current building was constructed

over a period of 150 years - from 1262 to 1426 - and then extensions and renovations

were later executed to give this monument a interesting synthesis of styles over its

predominantly primitive Gothic base. The Cathedral has three doorways. The main doorway

is through a Baroque façade, called the Puerta de los Hierros because of its iron gate,

which opens onto the Plaza de la Reina. The Gothic-style Puerta de los Apóstoles, facing

the Plaza de la Virgen is where the Thursday sessions of the oral Water Court, or Tribunal de las Aguas (see sightseeing route, page 30), have been held for the past ten centuries.

CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS

8

The dome covering the transept inside dates from the same epoch,

with an impressive octagonal shape and sixteen windows that

illuminate the interior. The Puerta del Palau, in Romanesque style

with Mudejar elements, faces the Plaza de la Almoina. Next to

this doorway a low-hanging arch spans the pedestrian street

between the Cathedral and the Archbishops’ Palace next door.

The Gothic-style Cathedral tower is called the Miguelete, which is a symbol of the city

of Valencia. It rises to a height of 50.85 metres, which is also the size of its perimeter.

This eight-sided tower owes its name to one of its twelve bells, specifically the bell that

marks the hours. The bell was blessed and rung for the first time on September 29th

1418, St Michael’s Day, although it was replaced by a newer replica which dates from

1532. The climb up the 207 steps of the belltower’s, accesses from the Cathedral

entranceway, gives one a splendid view over the ancient city.

There are many treasures on display inside the Cathedral of Valencia. Among these is

a Holy Chalice of the Last Supper in the Santo Cáliz chapel, canvases around the high

altar painted by Hernando Yáñez de la Almedina and Hernando de los Llanos, collaborators

of Leonardo da Vinci, and works by Goya in the San Francisco de Borja chapel (Despedida

de San Francisco de Borja and Conversión de un moribundo). In the Cathedral Museum

there are also valuable altarpieces, sculptures, gold and silverwork and paintings attributed

to Goya and Juan de Juanes.

Across from the Puerta de los Apóstoles is the Casa Vestuario (House of Garments), a

three-storey building finished in 1800. In the exhibition room on the first floor there

is a tempera by Vicente López, one of Goya’s disciples.

Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados tel. 96 391 86 11

Joined to the Cathedral by a Renaissance archway - used exclusively by the episcopal

curia - the Royal Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken is dedicated to the city’s patron

saint, and is a major place of worship. Constructed in the 17th century over Roman and

Visigoth remains and a Moorish mosque, this basilica stands out for its monumental

oval-shaped cupola with frescos by Antonio Palomino from 1701. The image of the

Virgin, in Gothic style, is an object of veneration.

9

Convento de Santo Domingo tel. 96 351 77 37. Ext. 3038

In 1239 King Jaime I granted this site to the Dominicans

so that they could build a convent, and he himself laid the

first stone. There is hardly anything still standing of this

primitive construction. The Santo Domingo convent, which

was once the residence of St Vicente Ferrer and is today the

headquarters of the Valencia military command, has survived

centuries upon centuries of renovations and restorations

which have left their unmistakable mark on the building’s

architecture. It is interesting to see the main cloister, from

the 14th century, the Gothic-style Capilla de los Reyes (Kings’

chapel), the Renaissance mausoleum of the Marquises of

Cenete and the Sala Capitular or Las Palmeras hall.

Other churches and religious buildings Close to the Cathedral stands the church of Santa Catalina, a Gothic construction

with a slender Baroque tower. The church of San Martín - originally a mosque,

later a Gothic church and finally a Baroque edifice - preserves a fine sculpture

of St Martin on horseback giving his cape to a pauper. The church dedicated

to San Esteban, a Baroque building, contains the font in which St Vicente

Ferrer was baptised. The Gothic house of worship devoted to San Nicolás has

Baroque elements and an excellent collection of paintings by Juan de Juanes,

Osuna and Espinosa. The Carmen, or Santa Cruz, church has a Gothic chapel

and sacristy, a 17th century façade and a bell tower giving an interesting view

of the ancient El Carmen quarter.

Close to the Calle de la Paz one can see the Gothic church dedicated to San Juan del Hospital, which was bequeathed by Jaime I to the knights of the Order

of the Hospital for their help in taking the city from the Moors. This church

has a fine Baroque retablo, or altarpiece, in the Santa Bárbara chapel. The

church of San Juan de la Cruz - also originally a mosque - has elegant column

work supporting its Baroque doorway. The Santo Tomás church, constructed

in 1837, was registered as a National Historical-Artistic Monument in 1982.

Near the Lonja, or 15th-century Silk Exchange, is the church of Santos Juanes, with a curious gallery which was the site of dire deeds during the Holy Inquisition.

Even today it still has cells in its semibasement. The Compañía de Jesús and

Escuelas Pías churches have handsome cupolas covered in blue ceramic tiles.

The latter was promulgated as an Historical-Artistic Monument in 1982. Further

on, the Gothic church of San Agustín was the church of the convent by the

same name, and was restored after the Spanish Civil War, with a belltower and

a Neogothic façade being added.

10

Lonja tel. 96 352 54 78

The Lonja de los Mercaderes, or Merchants’ Exchange, also called the Silk

Exchange owing to the fact that fabrics were traded here in the past, is

Valencia’s finest civic Gothic building and one of the most important in its

class in Spain. It was recently promulgated Heritage of Mankind by the

UNESCO. It was first built between 1482 and 1492, under the direction of

the master stonemason Pere Compte. His work was completed by a disciple

after the master’s death, and this explains the presence of certain Renaissance

elements in this construction.

The Lonja, which was the site of royal marriages in the 16th century, is composed

of four parts: the Salón de las Columnas or the market floor, an impressive hall

topped by ribbed vaults on helicoidal columns rising to almost 16 metres; the

Torre, or Tower, with a tiny chapel on the ground floor and a spiral staircase

with no central column; the Sala de Juntas del Consulado del Mar, in Renaissance

style, covered by a ceiling taken from the ancient Casa de la Ciudad (City Hall);

and the garden, also known as the Patio de los Naranjos, or Orange Tree Patio.

Torres de Serranos tel. 96 391 90 70

The Serranos towers are considered to be the largest Gothic city gateway in all

of Europe, and were constructed at the end of the 14th century by Pere Balaguer

as part of the city’s fortification. These gates were the entrance to the city used

by travellers from the “sierra”, hence the name Serranos. The towers were once

surrounded by a moat. They provisionally housed prison cells and served as a

triumphal arch on many festive and solemn occasions. In fact, even today, the

inauguration of the local holiday of Las Fallas, called the cridà, is staged here.

Torres de QuartBuilt in the 15th century by Pere Compte, Pere Bonfill and others, these

towers were also one of the main gateways to the city. Although they were

initially integrated in the Medieval city walls, they played a defensive role

and have been used as a military prison and a munitions storeroom at

various times.

CIVIC MONUMENTS AND OTHER BUILDINGS OF INTEREST

11

Palau de la Generalitat tel. 96 386 61 00 and 96 386 34 61

This 15th-century Gothic palace is currently the seat of the regional government,

the Generalitat Valenciana. It housed the Court of the Kingdom of Valencia in

1421 and was built with the help of Pere Compte.

Some of the interesting sights in this palace are the Renaissance elements in

the so-called Salón Dorado, or Golden Room, and paintings by Joan Sarinyena

in the Salón de las Cortes.

Palacio del Temple tel. 96 388 13 00

This palace derives its name from the ancient convent-residence and church

constructed by the Knights Templars on a site granted to them by Jaime I in

appreciation for their support during the conquest of Valencia. Once the Order

of the Templars had disappeared, the convent was occupied by the Order of

Montesa. The current building, dating from 1760 and preserving nothing from

former ages, has a church dedicated to Our Lady of Montesa, paintings by

Vergara and an ancient convent with a Neoclassical cloister (now the headquarters

of the central government representation in the autonomous region) as well as

a novices hall.

Palacio de JusticiaThe present-day Palacio de Justicia, or city courthouse, is an impressive Neoclassical

building which was once the Royal Customs House and tobacco factory. On the

main façade is a small statue of King Carlos III, the work of Vergara.

The crypt of St Vicent the Martyr tel. 96 394 14 17

This crypt contains a cross-shaped Visigoth funeral chapel which was probably

connected to the main cathedral in its day, as shown by part of the apse of

the primitive cathedral. Inside the chapel are four richly decorated partitions

framing the sepulchre of a Levantine prelate who died in the 6th century. In

the Moorish period it was converted into a bathhouse. When King Jaime I

entered the city in 1238, only the northern branch was preserved, over which

a shrine was built in honour of St Vicent the Martyr.

12 13

Old University tel. 96 386 41 00

Although the university dates back to the 16th century,

this building in the Neoclassical style goes back only to

1830. In the main hall there is a statue of the scholar

Luis Vives, who was a student here. It has an ample

library that includes valuable incunabula.

Almudín tel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4521

This 13th-century building, later remodelled in the 16th

century, once served as the city granary. Today it is used

by the city council as temporary exhibition space when

required.

Plaza de Toros tel. 96 351 93 15

Constructed in the Neoclassical style between 1850

and 1860, the Valencia bullring is reminiscent of a

smaller-sized Roman Coliseum. From the outside one

can observe its four galleries on which 384

symmetrical arches are mounted. The enclosure has

a capacity for 17,000 spectators. Important bullfights

are held during the Fallas festivities and during the

July Fair.

Estación del Norte tel. 96 353 71 90

Located close to the city hall square, the central railway

station is one of the finest examples still preserved in

Spain of railway architecture. This Modernist-style edifice,

built between 1906 and 1917, boasts an impressive

façade decorated with vegetable motifs, oranges and

orange blossoms.

Mercado de Colón It was built between 1914

and 1916 and features

brightly coloured ceramic

decorations depicting farm

labourers, baskets of fruit

and orange trees in bloom.

This market is currently

undergoing rehabilitation for

adaptation to modern uses.

a yarn factory in the 19th century and now houses the

Valencian parliament. Close at hand is the Fuentehermosa palace - an example of the urban mansions constructed in

the early 1900s in memory of the classics - located in Calle

Caballeros, or ‘Knights Street’. The name of this street refers

to the site where noblemen of old built their homes in the

illustrious 15th century, lined with grand residential buildings

which have been rehabilitated and put to different uses.

Worthy of mention because of their fine inner patios and

emblazoned portals are the Palacio de Santángel, the palace

of the Counts of Alpuente, the Centelles palace, the palace

of the Marquises of Malferit, and that of the Counts of Buñol. The Palacio de Pineda, from the 17th century, currently

houses the International Menéndez Pelayo University. The

Palacio Boïl d’Arenós, originally from the 15th century but

remodelled in the 18th, is the site of the Valencia Stock

Exchange.

Ayuntamiento tel. 96 352 54 78

The City Hall occupies almost 6,000 square metres on one

whole block and is integrated into an older building once

known as the Royal House of Learning from the 18th century.

The main façade and the entire area comprising city hall

rooms - ballroom, council room, main stairway, the crystal

room, etc. - were added between 1915 and 1942.

Mercado Central tel. 96 382 91 01

This Modernist-style building housing the central market

was finished in 1928. It has an area of over 8,000 square

metres and contains almost one thousand market stalls

selling fresh produce and food of all kinds. The complex is

topped by various domes, and on the central dome sits what

is now the symbol of the market, a green parrot called the

cotorra del mercat. Stained glass windows, ceramics and

mosaics adorn the façades of this mercantile monument.

Other palacesThere are many other palatial buildings in Valencia - some are Gothic, bourgeois, courtly

and elegant; others are Baroque, ornamental and decadent; yet others are modernist,

reflecting the splendour of 19th-century urban life, based on the fruits of commerce and

crop-farming. In recent years many of these buildings have been restored and fitted out for

administrative uses.

The Palacio de la Batlia and the palace of the Marqués de la Scala, housing the Valencia

Provincial Council, are Gothic-Renaissance buildings with magnificent patios and interesting

windows and coffered ceilings. The Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace), originally from

the 13th century, has been substantially reconstructed, particularly in the 18th century and

the first half of the 20th century. The Gothic Palacio del Almirante, today the regional

government’s ministry of the treasury dating from the 15th century, has a handsome patio

flanked by pointed arches and twin windows which can be accessed via its large hall. The

15th-century Palacio de Benicarló, the erstwhile residence of the Dukes of Gandía, became

14 15

Palacio de Congresos tel. 96 317 94 00

This new Congress Centre is the brainchild of Sir Norman Foster, comprising a

modern building with three floors and three auditoriums, an exhibition room,

restaurant and café. It is located to the west of the city and presents high-quality

design and aesthetics both inside and outside, highlighting the quality of the events

expected to be staged here.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias For ticket reservations call, 902 10 00 31

The City of the Arts and Sciences is now growing next to the dry Turia riverbed, and is

soon to become the symbol of 21st-century Valencia. It will be a major scenario for

cultural and scientific activities, entertainment, shows and leisure pursuits. The area

has magnificent new architecture, with designs by Santiago Calatrava and a team led

by Félix Candela. The entire area is an example of how the southeastern section of the

city of Valencia is opening up to the sea and emphasizing culture and the arts.

The City of the Arts and Sciences is divided into four major sites. The ‘Hemisfèric’ ‘Planetarium’, now in operation, has a giant hemispherical cinema screen measuring 900

square metres. It shows three-dimensional films and allows spectators to make virtual

reality trips through space and discover the secrets of the Universe.

The Palace of the Arts, dedicated to promoting and

encouraging the scenic arts, will be the headquarters

for a Cinematography School, a Centre for the Scenic

Arts, the Valencian Music Centre and Valencia’s Film

Library, as well as exhibition rooms, auditoriums and

a documentation centre for the Fine Arts.

The “Principe Felipe” Science Museum, opened on 13

November 2000, has been conceived as a centre for

learning, documentation, information and the

promotion of science, addressed to the public of all

ages, and especially to teaching centres.

The Universal Oceanographic Park will consists of an

underwater city conceived as a nature park, a science

centre and an educational and entertainment facility,

made up of a series of lakes and lagoons with different

kinds of water habitats, and coastlines and islands

reproducing natural geographical sites.

17

IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art):

Centro Julio González tel. 96 386 30 00

The IVAM currently occupies one of the leading

positions among Spanish contemporary art

museums. It has nine galleries and includes

permanent holdings by Julio González and Ignacio

Pinazo and holds other travelling exhibitions of

paintings, photography and modern art from the

early 20th century avant-garde until the present.

Centro del Carmen tel. 96 391 26 93

The IVAM’s Centro del Carmen, located in the

ancient convent of El Carmen, aims to promote

exhibitions of contemporary art and workshops.

These are usually held in the Gothic chapel of the

building, which is accessed through a Renaissance

cloister now transformed into an enormous

illuminated gallery with a glass dome. It also has

an interesting Gothic cloister.

Museo de Bellas Artes San Pío V tel. 96 360 57 93

Located in a Baroque building recently renovated in its entirety, this is one of the most

outstanding painting archives in the country, renowned for its collections of primitive

Valencian painters: authors from the Valencian school such as Hernando Yáñez de la

Almedina, Juan de Juanes, the Ribaltas, Ribera, Espinosa, Vicente López, Sorolla and

Pinazo; and others of the stature of Pinturicchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo,

Velázquez, El Bosco, El Greco and Goya. The Fine Arts Museum also exhibits sculptures

by Mariano Benlliure and some interesting archeological pieces.

Centre Valencià de Cultura Mediterrània-La Beneficencia tel. 96 388 35 75

Ethnology Museum and Domingo Fletcher Valls Prehistory Museum. Sala Parpalló art

gallery. IVEI. Centre for Local Historical Studies.

This ancient ‘charity house’ or Casa de la Beneficencia has been remodelled to house

the Ethnology Museum (showing the evolution of traditional rural societies down to the

present); the Prehistory Museum (with exhibits from the Paleolithic to the late Roman

Empire), and a number of temporary exhibits. Concerts and cultural activities are also

organized. In the building itself, which was once dedicated to the teaching and care of

the poor, the ancient chapel is of note, as it combines Romanesque styles outside and

Neo-byzantine decoration inside.

Palacio Marqués de Campo-City Museum tel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4126 and 4127

Among its holdings, this 19th-century palace contains archeological remains from the

Roman period during which the city was founded, as well as from Visigoth and Moorish

times. The City Museum has a permanent exhibition on “Christian Valencia in the 13th

and 14th Centuries” and displays interesting documents dating from the time of the

Reconquest by Jaime I and other relevant moments in the history of the city. The building

also houses temporary exhibits by Valencian artists and pictorial collections from the

City Council of Valencia.

MUSEUMS

18

Museo Histórico Municipal tel. 96 352 54 78

Located in the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), the Municipal History Museum has an attractive

collection of works of art and historical objects and documents referring to the city of

Valencia, including the senyera (the regional flag), the pennant of the Reconquest, and

the sword of Jaime I the Conqueror - the most emblematic objects in Valencian history.

There is also a 15th-century Flemish panel showing the Final Judgement, and a series

of canvases by Sarinyena, Espinosa, Sorolla and other authors; plus the original books

of Els Furs (laws) and El Consulat del Mar (trade) and valuable incunabula.

Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí tel. 96 351 63 92

The González Martí Ceramics Museum is located in the Palace of the Marquis of

Dos Aguas, dating from the late 15th century remodelled in the 18th. Of note is

the façade decorated in alabaster in the Churrigueresque style, in which two

allegorical figures can be seen representing the “Dos Aguas” or ‘two waters’- the

Turia and Júcar rivers - over whose lands the Marquis held rights. It contains an

extensive collection of ceramic pieces from Manises, Paterna and Alcora, some of

which date from the Christian period of the Reconquest. Also interesting are the

ceramic collections from former periods, including socarrats (earthenware tiles),

Chinese and Japanese porcelain, works by Picasso, the Carriage of the Nymphs,

and a reproduction of a traditional Valencian kitchen in ceramics.

Museo del Patriarca tel. 96 351 41 76

The Patriarch’s Museum is part of the Corpus Christi college and church. The

building was founded by the Patriarch and Viceroy San Juan de la Ribera, and

conserves a beautiful Renaissance cloister. The Museum, containing the Purísima

Chapel and other adjacent rooms, contains painting collections from the 16th and

17th centuries and works by Juan de Juanes, El Greco and the primitive Flemish

painters. The church preserves a Last Supper or Última cena by Ribalta in the

high altar and also has Flemish tapestries on show in the communion chapel.

Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda tel. 96 351 19 51

The building housing the Colegio Mayor de la Seda, or the ‘College of the Fine

Art of Silkmaking’ was the headquarters of the Velluters or ‘silkmaker’s’ guild

created in the 15th century when Valencian fabricmaking was enjoying its heyday.

It houses an interesting chapel at the foot of which is a Gothic spiral staircase

attributed to the valencian architect Pere Compte, and a ceremonial hall with an

18th-century tile composition. Today, this building is a cultural and teaching

centre and organizes exhibitions, conferences and talks. It includes a small

museum with classical and baroque fabrics, dies, wood engravings, looms and

office material.

Casa Museo Blasco Ibáñez tel. 96 356 47 85 / 86

This is a substantially reconstructed villa where the famed Valencian writer Vicente

Blasco Ibáñez once lived, with three storeys, a museum with personal mementos

(furniture, porcelain, miniatures, engravings, photographs and souvenirs of his

travels), as well as a research centre (investigating documents related to his life

and writings) and a ceremonial room where conferences, roundtables, film screenings

and temporary exhibitions are staged.

Natural Science Museumtel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4313

The Natural Science Museum displays

collections of insects, fossils, snails and

shells are shown. The most commented

piece is a spectacular skeleton

of a megathere (prehistoric sloth).

20

Casa Museo José Benlliure tel. 96 391 16 62

This is the home and studio of the artist José Benlliure, containing over fifty works including paintings, ceramic pieces, sculptures and drawings done by the artist himself, as well as his son Peppino and his brother Mariano Benlliure, in addition to works by other authors such as Sorolla and Segrelles. Inside the house, there is a charming little Romantic garden.

Casa Natalicia de San Vicente Ferrer tel. 96 352 84 81

In this house one can see the bedchamber of St Vicente Ferrer - which now contains an altarpiece painted by Vicente López - a series of tiles showing the miracles performed by the saint, a chapel, a fountain and his miraculous well. According to legend, it was this well that helped to combat the cholera epidemic of 1854, filling practically 160,000 buckets of water that quenched the thirst of people in Valencia and nearby towns at a time when all the other water sources were contaminated.

Museo Fallero tel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4625

The Fallas Museum preserves what are known as ninots indultats or papier-mâché figurines saved from the flames every year since 1934, plus photographs, posters and other articles showing the history of the Fallas festivities.

Museo del Artista Fallero tel. 96 347 96 23

This Museum of Fallas Artists, which contains an exhibition of drawings, posters, photographs and some ninots indultats (see explanation above), is located in the quarter of Valencia known as Ciudad del Artista Fallero. It is surrounded by workshops where master Fallas artists build their monumental creations fromSeptember through to March each year.

Former “San Miguel de los Reyes” Monasterytel. 96 387 40 00

Currently the site of the Valencian Library, this historic complex contains architectural remains from an 11th-century Islamic farmstead, a 14th-century Cistercian monastery (“Sant Bernat de Rascanya”), a 16-18-century Hieronymie monastery (“San Miguel de los Reyes”) and a 19th century prison.

Museo Taurino tel. 96 351 18 50

This Bullfighting Museum was the first to be

founded in the world. It contains matador suits,

engravings, paintings and objects and mementos

related to the art of bullfighting from the 18th to

the 20th centuries.

Casa de las Rocas tel. 96 392 23 26

This building located next to the Serranos Towers

was built in 1434 to store the “rocas” or triumphal

carriages used during Corpus Christi processions,

plus objects connected with city festivities, such

as standards, banners, costumes, suits, eagles,

and parade giants and fatheads.

Atarazanas tel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4299

This 14th-century building was once a “shipyard”

and used to store naval goods. It has now been

rehabilitated and houses temporary exhibitions.

L’Almoina tel. 96 394 14 17

Archeological site in “l’Almoina” street containing

the most ancient remains of the Roman city of Valentia

founded in the year 138 B.C. as well as relics

traditionally related to St Vincent the Martyr, the first

Christian communities and the city’s Visigothic period.

Museo de Ciencias Naturales P. Ignacio Sala S.J. tel. 96 391 39 90

This Natural Science Museum contains collections

of fossils, minerals and diverse animal species -

insects, fish and mammals - and botanical specimens.

Museo del Juguete tel. 96 387 70 30

The Toy Museum contains interesting examples

of toys that reflect the history of the Spanish

trade from the beginning of this century till

today. It preserves some unique pieces, such

as a Ferris wheel replicating the Prater of

Vienna and a Modernist doll house, as well

as collections of tin soldiers, electric trains,

wooden toys and other more modern toys

deserving recognition.

Museo Histórico Militartel. 96 360 35 00 and 96 360 16 45

This Military Museum exhibits diverse front-

loading arms from the 18th century, Spanish

and English blunderbusses and revolvers

from 1851, uniforms of ancient regiments,

sabres, gas masks, helmets and other military

ob jects . I t a l so shows sca le models ,

miniatures and collections of tin soldiers.

There is a reference library, and a conference

and screening room.

21

22 23

THE GARDENS OF THE CITY Old bridges over new gardens Many differtent kinds of bridges cross the ancient Turia

riverbed in Valencia. From west to east there is the 16th

century San José bridge with pointed arches; the Serranos bridge from the same period reinforced with buttresses; the

Trinidad bridge from the 15th century, with two statues facing

each other - one of San Luis Bertrán and the other of San

Juan de Villanueva; the Real of Royal bridge from the 16th

century with two temples containing the figures of St Vicente

Ferrer and St Vicente Mártir - a compulsory route to the

erstwhile Royal Palace; the 16th-century Puente del Mar with

pointed arches and a handsome flight of steps leading up to

it, preserving its benches and temples and competing in

beauty with the Royal Bridge. This bridge was the route to

the port and the sea until the 20th century when the Aragón and Ángel Custodio bridges were built. Today, between the

Real and Mar bridges is the modern Puente de la Exposición,

designed by Santiago Calatrava and popularly called the

peineta, or the ‘curved comb’, which together with the bridge

over the Arts and Sciences section, serve as contrasts to the

ancient parapets flanking the riverbed.

Jardines de Monfortetel. 96 352 54 78. Ext. 4345

The Monforte Gardens are listed

as a National Artistic Treasure

and are considered the most

beautiful gardens in Spain.

They are laid out in Neo-

classical style with Romantic

corners, containing fine Italian

sculptures, fishponds, fountains

with Cupid groups and a small

mansion or summer pavilion.

Guarding the entrance to the

pavilion are two lions sculpted

in Carrara marble.

Jardín Botánicotel. 96 315 68 00

Inaugurated in 1802 under

the direction of the botanist

Antonio José Cavanilles, these

Botanical Gardens can be

counted among the largest and

most attractive in Europe.

There are hundreds of species

and varieties of trees, shrubs

and palms from all parts of the

world.

Jardines del Real-Viverostel. 96 362 35 12 and 96 352 54 78

The Royal Gardens or Municipal Gardens are located across

the Turia riverbed from the ancient city centre, and once

contained the Royal Palace. Throughout the 20th century,

the gardens have been repopulated and beautified, and are

now a favourite spot for Sunday morning walks. In the

summer the central esplanade is converted into an improvised

concert hall - especially during the July Fair - and in

springtime the walkways are filled with bookstalls during

the Feria del Libro. Other cultural events are also

on the calendar.

The Valencia Zoo is located here, with orangutans, large

cats, giraffes, tropical birds and other animals.

Parque Gulliver tel. 96 337 02 04

The Gulliver Park located in the old Turia riverbed, is a delight for children, where an immense Gulliver figurine lying on its back serves as an adventure area, with slides, climbing areas and other attractions, such as a scale model of the city. It is surrounded by a minigolf course, a giant chessboard, tracks, skateboard area and lotsof playground equipment.

Jardines del TuriaThe Turia River Gardens are located on the old riverbed

which once ran through the city, now diverted to the

south of Valencia. The riverbed cuts through the town

and can be followed along its course on foot or by bicycle,

with a number of sports facilities along the way. Other

activities can be enjoyed here too, such as music concerts

at the Palau de la Música, on the east bank of the

riverbed, and heading further towards the sea, the City

of the Arts and Sciences.

Throughout the city a number of

gardens beautify the urban

landscape and serve as meeting

points and leisure areas. The

majority of these are located near

the ancient Turia riverbed running

through the city.

24 25

From Valencia to the Sea: the Malvarrosa beachValencia has numerous gardens and parks that encourage locals and visitors to turn

out for a stroll. The warm climate of the Land of Valencia also helps to ensure that

the streets, plazas and squares are always bustling with life. To enjoy some fine

Mediterranean sun, as immortalized by the great Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla,

master of luminosity, you might like to start your tour with a visit to the Jardines del Real. Known locally as Los Viveros (‘treefarm’ or ‘nursery’), this park was originally

a country residence of a Moorish king before becoming a Christian palace following

the Reconquest by Jaime I in the 13th century. The garden has been progressively

expanded and now contains a wide range of styles owing to successive enlargements

over the centuries. After a walk through the gardens, you can return to the edge of

the ancient Turia riverbed, which marked the limits of the Medieval town. The river

was diverted after a heavy flood in the late 1950s, and is now a park with gardens,

sports facilities, and children’s playgrounds. Close at hand is the San Pío V Fine Arts Museum originally constructed as a seminary for missionaries, with a church

in the interior. Throughout its history it has been used as a storehouse, a hospital

and is now a museum. In the early 20th century the church was destroyed, but the

cupola has recently been restored and covered in typical blue tiles. It contains an

extensive array of Gothic altarpieces and paintings by Velázquez, Sorolla, Benlliure,

Van Dyck, Goya, Murillo, El Greco, and many more. Across from this museum

containing classical works is the IVAM or Valencian Institute of Modern Art, which

is a major attraction in the city.

Following the riverbed you come to the old train station called Estación

de Pont de Fusta, opposite the famous Torres de Serranos. Today, this

station is a hub on the renovated tram line which is running once again -

as it did in the past - to the Malvarrosa beach. Using this tram line you

can take a pleasant ride to the beach and stroll along the new seafront

promenade, which is now a compulsory visit. In the early 20th century it

was a meeting point for the Valencian aristocracy in summer, particularly

the Las Arenas Spa. Today, the Las Arenas area of the promenade is full

of restaurants and cafés, some of them with a history going back to the

last century. Here, you can savour some of the typical Valencian cuisine,

perhaps after some sunbathing on the beach, and discover the city's rice

dishes and specialities.

Next to the beach is the Port of Valencia, which was once an important link

between the peninsula and other Mediterranean countries. Today it is a

major commercial port specializing in container traffic. To get an idea of

its size, you can go for a port tour on ferry boats called Golondrinas.

Next to the Avenida del Puerto, in the Plaza Juan Antonio Benlliure, are

the 15th-century Gothic Reales Atarazanas, or shipyards, which have recently

been restored in all their splendour.

DISCOVER THE CITY AND THE ENVIRONS

Valencia’s artistic heritage provides a wide spectrum of possibilities for seeing the

sights. It would be impossible to mention all the quarters and areas worth visiting

in this publication, but a few guided tours can be listed for the benefit of those who

want to familiarize themselves with the city and see some major attractions.

2726

Excursions to the Albufera Set between rice paddies and the sea, and closed off by the geological embrace of the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers, the Albufera Natural Park is a haven for migratory birds and a recreational area for the city and its surrounding municipalities.

Located south of Valencia, about 11 kilometres from the capital, and separated from the sea by a thin stretch of sand dunes held in place by Mediterranean pines and shrubs, this lagoon was formed in prehistoric times as a result of the accumulation of sediments from two nearby rivers on a barrier that formed an inland freshwater lake. Today, this lake measures 6km in diameter, with hundreds and navigable canals crisscrossing the surrounding area. Traditionally, people living near the shore grow rice, hunt fowl and fish, having harmoniouslyinteracting with the environment for centuries.

Between the Albufera and the sea lies the Dehesa del Saler, a narrow but 10km-long stretch of land formed by sand dunes and Mediterranean pines, and serving as ahabitat for highly valuable native plant varieties.

Set within this natural beauty area is El Palmar, which has always been closely connected with the fishing trade, being founded in 1250 by King Jaume I the Conqueror, who granted the local settlers a charter allowing them to fish in the lagoon. This is a nice village in which to taste a paella cooked over a wood fire, preceded perhaps by some all i pebre, or eels in garlic and sweet pepper sauce, a local speciality.

From a lookout point located at the first lock along the main tourist road running next to the lake, and also from the town of El Palmar, local fishing boats can be hired to tour the lake.

Along the coast next to the Albufera are broad sandy beaches: El Saler, El Perellonet, El Perelló, Les Palmeretes, Motilla, Mareny de Barraquetes, Vega del Mar and Mareny de Vilxes. There are pleasant recreational areas where people come to enjoy the sun and the sea in a touristarea which is specially popular in the summer months.

28 29

Our starting point is Calle de La Paz, where we can see the Santa Catalina church. This was long known as a Baroque temple, but a primitive Gothic

Cistercian structure was subsequently discovered underneath. The narrow

Baroque tower can be seen from all along La Paz street.

From here we can move on to the Cathedral - a compulsory visit in the

city. It is basically a cross between a Romanesque temple and a Gothic

edifice, with a solemn, simple structure denoting that its construction

was not the dowry of a rich monarch, but rather the fruit of many smaller

contributions from Medieval burgers. Since it took so long to build, various

architects participated in the project. Of note is the Santo Cáliz (Holy

Chalice) chapel, the altar and the Miguelete or belltower. From the latter

a wonderful view of the city can be gained. If you make a visit at 12.00

noon any Thursday, you will be able to see the 10-century-old Water Court

(Tribunal de las Aguas) in progress. Magistrates change into black camisoles

in the Casa Vestuario and judge conflicts involving irrigation water (channel

breakages, taking water out of turn, improper use, etc.) and dispense

justice on the spot - with no paperwork!

From here we can enter Calle Caballeros (‘Knights’ Street’) and wander down to the 14th-century San Nicolás church, whose Gothic structure was found under Baroque ornamentation and lowered frescoed vaults.

Our next stop is the Lonja, or ancient Silk Exchange, which is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. This 15th-century construction has three major parts: the ‘Column Hall’ or Salón Columnario (whose designs are reminiscent of palm plantations or exploding fireworks - both typical of Valencian lands), the ‘Tower’ or Torreón and the ‘Maritime Consulate’ or Consulado del Mar, outside which is the Orange Tree Patio (Patio de los Naranjos). Both culinary experts and those interested in traditional shopping will enjoy a visit to the Central Market, just across the street, and full of hustle, bustle and colour from the early morning hours till midday. This modernist construction is topped by a huge dome on which there sits a symbol of the market - a loquacious green parrot.

The sanctions are based on byelaws

from the Moorish period which were

orally transmitted until the 18th

century, when they were finally

written down and ratified by King

Felipe IV.

Coming out of the Cathedral onto

the Plaza de La Virgen, you can

take a short break and enjoy some

refreshment on a nearby café terrace

and then visit the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the regional

government, a 15th-century

construction founded to house the

permanent commission of the

Courts of the Kingdom and manage

the income of the ‘Generalitat’ or

autonomous government.

Continuing our tour, we should now walk over

to the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, a

major Rococo reference in Valencia. This

houses the National Ceramics Museum. Its

most characteristic feature is its alabaster

framed portal sculpted by Ignacio Vergara.

To finish, we can visit the Literary University located in Calle Nave. In the 15th century,

this building with a central patio was the

cultural centre of the city. Owing to its partial

destruction during the French seige of the

city in 1812, it was necessary to partially

restore this building in 1839, giving it a

Neoclassical style.

Through the heart of the city

30

A Cultural StrollOur starting point for cultural attractions is the Serranos towers, which received this name because they opened

onto the road leading from the city to the “sierra”.

These towers are considered to be one of the finest

examples of Gothic military architecture in Europe,

and were constructed at the end of the 14th century.

The towers rise up on a pentagonal base joined by a

central body with a semicircular arch. They were

transformed into a prison from 1586 until 1888 and

are now a National Monument. From the ramparts,

the inauguration of the local holiday of Las Fallas, la

cridà, is staged.

From here we can border the gardens in the old Turia

riverbed to arrive at the Museum Home of the artist José Benlliure. Inside we can visit his home and studio and

the romantic garden in the patio, located in a 19th-

century mansion now rehabilitated to contain works

of art by this painter and also some works by his

brothers.

Next we can see the Centre del Carmen pertaining to

the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM). This is

located in the ancient El Carmen convent, which was

a Carmelite centre in the 13th century and later a

school of Fine Art. It has an attractive Renaissance

cloister providing access to the halls occupied by the

IVAM, where innovative artworks are now exhibited. To

complete this perusal of modern art, we can walk

down the riverbank to the IVAM’s Centro Julio González which has nine galleries dedicated to permanent and

temporary exhibitions. In its rather short lifetime, the

IVAM has become a major international reference point

for avant-garde works. As a curiosity, one of the galleries

displays a stretch of Valencia’s Medieval city walls.

Close to the Valencian Institute of Modern Art we can visit the La Beneficiencia Cultural Centre. This is a construction dating from 1876

which once served as a charity house for the poor. After being used by

the Provincial Council for some years, it was rehabilitated and now

houses a number of interesting sites. The Prehistory Museum, the

Ethnology Museum, the art gallery Sala Parpalló, the Valencian Institute

of Studies and Research, and the Local History Study Centre. If you

want an overview of the archeology and history of the region, a visit to

the museum is a must.

Continuing our tour of Valencian culture, we come to the Torres de Quart, dating from the 15th century. These guarded the most important access

to Valencia from the west, forming part of the city walls. There are

practically no original decorations left due to successive renovations

(particularly during the War of Succession), but the inner face still

shows Gothic masonry techniques.

The last stop on this tour is at the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in

Europe, where we can discover 3,000 species and 7,000 specimens

of shrubs, trees and other plants. It was founded by the famous Spanish

naturalist Cavanilles and is protected from temperature variations by

a giant iron and glass furnace. We can return to our starting point by

taking a pleasant stroll along the gardens of the ancient Turia riverbed,

giving us the chance to visit the music auditorium, Palau de la Música,

and in the final stretch, the City of the Arts and Sciences.

33

For music the major attraction is the Music Auditorium called the Palau de la Música,

the home of the Valencia Orchestra and a stage for many prestigious names, conductors

and interpreters on the international music panorama. The Palau starts its season every

October with the so-called Festivales de la tardor, or evening festivals, and a concert

and opera cycle that runs until the following summer. In the summer months, the

patios of the University, the La Beneficencia Cultural Centre and the Viveros Gardens

become stages for classical concerts, or perhaps some jazz, blues or rock ‘n’ roll.

Music is not the only cultural attraction Valencia has to offer. There are a number of

theatres where dance festivals and plays are staged, ranging from the classics to the

latest avant-garde creations.

As for cinema, Mediterranean cultures of all kinds are usually represented at the Mostra

de Cine del Mediterrani, or Mediterranean Film Festival, which is held each year in

the month of October, filling the city with the glamour of actresses, actors and film

directors. The Filmoteca Valenciana stages film cycles to complete the cinematographic

lineup throughout the year and round out the already extensive movie offering in local

cinemas.

The arts come into focus at the IVAM, which stages an annual exhibition programme

that ranks among Europe’s finest. Also of note in the field are the San Pío V Fine Arts

Museum, the La Beneficiencia Cultural Centre, and a number of art galleries and

exhibitions around town.

Seminars, courses, conferences, and many other activities complete the cultural lineup

in Valencia. For up-to-date information, please consult programmed activities at your

nearest tourist information office.

CULTURAL LIFE

Throughout the year, Valencia is always bustling

with cultural activities. Music, theatre, dance,

cinema, exhibitions, conferences and countless

other events provide a lineup which is capable

of satisfying even the most demanding of tastes.

3534

Throughout the year the city hosts a large

number of national and international trade

fairs, as well as congresses, seminars,

meetings and business encounters that

attract lots of visitors. Many of these

people, in addition to doing business, take

advantage of Valencia's array of leisure

activities and entertainment, benefiting

from the extensive gastronomic and

cultural possibilities.

Palacio de Congresos de Valencia tel. 96 317 94 00

e-mail: turisvalencia@turisvalencia.es

http://www.turisvalencia.es/palacio

This building combines striking design with state-of-the-art technology and facilities:

fully-equipped auditoriums, meeting rooms, restaurant and cafés, halls naturally

illuminated by daylight. Outside, there are 7000m2 of park space with fountains

and pools, forming the ideal place for rest and relaxation after a busy business

day. The Valencia Congress Centre is the answer for event organizers seeking

success.

Palau de la Música i Congressostel. 96 337 50 20

e-mail: palau.valencia@redteatros.inaem.es

http://www.musices.es/palau

On the east bank of the ancient Turia riverbed is Valencia's concert hall, the Palau

de la Música i Congressos, offering an incomparable setting for staging musical and

cultural activities. It has auditoriums with excellent acoustics, state-of-the-art sound

systems, show lighting and graphics, a choice of meeting rooms and congress halls,

exhibition rooms, and more, all in an ideally landscaped part of the city.

For further information on organizing congresses, conventions, meetings, seminars

or incentive trips to the city of Valencia, please contact:

Turismo Valencia Convention Bureautel. 96 360 63 53

e-mail: turisvalencia@turisvalencia.es

http://www.turisvalencia.es/bureau

Feria Valenciatel. 96 386 11 00

e-mail: feriavalencia@feriavalencia.com

http://www.feriavalencia.com

The trade fair institution called Feria Valencia is a pioneering event organizer in Spain,

holding over forty trade fairs each year, attended by some 10,000 exhibitors from around

the world and one million trade visitors. Feria Valencia has a complete range of facilities

for staging congresses and conventions.

BUSINESS CITY

Valencia's ideal venues for congresses, conventions and business meetings, excellent

communications networks that provide easy access to the city, an extensive accommodation

lineup, not to mention an enviable climate, all combine to make the city a perfect

business centre.

37

Valencia’s mild climate encourages people to stay out of doors,

doing sports or simply enjoying the fresh air. For yachting and

sailing, visit the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, where boats

with or without skippers can be hired. If golf is your thing, you

have four golf courses to choose from in the vicinity: El Saler,

El Bosque, Escorpión and Manises. In addition, there are sports

complexes for all kinds of activities for keeping in shape while

you are here.

If you are interested in discovering local sports, watch a game

of pilota valenciana, a kind of pelota played with bare hands in

enclosures called “trinquetes” or in the streets of certain towns.

SPORTS

Yacht Club:

Real Club Náutico de Valencia. Tel. 96 367 90 11

Golf Courses:

Club de Golf El Saler. Tel. 96 162 73 66

Club de Golf El Bosque. Tel. 96 180 80 00

Club de Golf de Manises. Tel. 96 153 40 69

Club de Golf Escorpión. Tel. 96 160 12 11

38 39

The Fallas invade the city and

transform it into an authentic

spectacle that crescendos to its

climax. Whoever visits Valencia in

the leadup to March 19th will find

the whole city absorbed in the festive

atmosphere. People come out to see

the parades and processions, hear

the marching bands, wave to the

Falleras and Falleros in their

traditional costumes, and tour the

city on foot to see Fallas on every

street corner. Every day at 14.00 hrs

the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is packed

with people anxious to experience

the thunderous mascletà, a

gunpowder display whose decibel

levels make the pavement tremble.

There are bullfights, and flower

offerings to Our Lady of the Forsaken

that convert the Basilica into an

authentic tapestry of flowers, and the

Plaza de la Virgen into a garden. At

night come the fireworks displays

that reach their highpoint on March

18th, the nit del foc, or ‘night of fire’.

Semana Santa Marinera. Holy Week

The best known Holy Week celebrations are held in the port district. They are called the

Semana Santa Marinera, the Sailors’ Holy Week, and include religious celebrations,

Masses, Stations of the Cross and processions. These are held from Ash Wednesday

until the week after Easter.

The impressive Procession of Silence, held at 24.00 hrs on Maundy Thursday, and the

Holy Burial starting at 18.30 hrs on Good Friday, are the events that attract the most

spectators and participants. The holy images or icons belonging to the twenty-seven

guilds and brotherhoods who take part in this procession (the Madonna, the Nazarenes,

Pilatus and Christ in Silence, or the Holy Sepulchre) are carried on portable platforms

through the streets of this quarter facing the sea, accompanied by five thousand penitents

and the music of bands, trumpeters and drummers.

Traslado de la Virgen de los Desamparados. Second Sunday in May.

Our Lady of the Forsaken, the patron saint of Valencia, is represented by an icon kept

in the Basilica, next to the Cathedral. The translation of the image from the Basilica

to the Cathedral and back again takes place in May, converting the plaza into a veritable

sea of pious followers. The route is only 200 metres long, yet it takes well over an hour

for the image to be transferred. In the afternoon a short procession takes her back to

the Basilica, amid a shower of rose petals, via Calle Caballeros, Bolsería, Mercado, San

Vicente, Plaza de la Reina, Calles del Mar and Avellanas and the Arzobispal and la

Almoina squares back to the Plaza de la Virgen.

From the date of the translation of the Virgin until Corpus Christi a ceramics fair is held

in Plaza de la Reina outside the doors of the Cathedral called the Fira de l’escuraeta.

Market stalls sell small ceramic wares and pottery, earthenware goods and souvenirs.

FIESTAS

The easygoing, extroverted character of the Valencians is sure

to be reflected in the many fiestas held throughout the year

in this land.

Fallas de San José. Week leading up to March 19th

The origin of the Fallas goes back to the 15th century, when

city carpenters would clean out their workshops in the spring

and celebrate their patron saint’s day - St Joseph - by lighting

bonfires in the streets, burning up all their refuse, odds and

ends, and their wooden candleholders used during winter

evenings while they worked. Soon, many began decorating

these piles of wood, gradually giving them shape and form.

Today, over 350 fallas, or monumental papier-mâché

constructions, are burnt in the streets on the night of March

19th during the traditional cremà (burning). These impressive

creations begin appearing on March 15th - the plantà (setting-

up) and vie with one another in ingenuity, beauty and

flammability - from pyramid shapes that burn up perfectly,

to stranger shapes satirizing a politician or social or cultural

events that require great care in being set to the torch.

40

San Vicente Ferrer. First Sunday and Monday after Easter.

Although the feast of St Vicente Ferrer is officially on April

5th, it is usually celebrated on the first Sunday and Monday

after Easter. On these two days, children from the orphanage

of San Vicente Ferrer stage the reputed miracles of this

saint on an altar installed close to his birthplace near the

end of Calle del Mar. People from other quarters also stage

representations on platforms built in the street, such as

Calle Ruzafa, la Plaza de la Virgen or close to the churches

of the Santos Juanes and San Nicolás.

Corpus Christi. Procesión de las Rocas. Second or third Sunday in June.

The Corpus Christi procession starts in the mid-afternoon

with a colourful parade headed by the municipal police

in gala uniform. To the sound of dulzaina pipes and drums

the procession winds its way into the Plaza de la Virgen.

In its ranks and files it includes giants and fatheads, and

‘rocas’, or triumphal carriages representing Biblical

mysteries. One is called the Moma, all dressed in white

to symbolize virtue in a struggle with the capital sins.

There are also candleholders or cirialots, who carry huge

candles representing the 24 ancients who revered the

‘Lamb’, among many other characters, dance troupes and

others who flock to the environs of the Cathedral.

Feria de Julio. July Fair. All month.

Summer is the time for spectacles, pageantry and open-

air concerts staged during the July Fair located in the

Paseo de la Alameda and the Viveros Gardens. It is also

the time for spectacular bullfights. The culmination of the

Fair is a “Flower Battle” held along the Alameda boulevard.

Fiesta de la Comunidad Valenciana. Procesión de la Senyera. October 9th.

October 9th is St Dionysius, and the founding day of

the autonomous region of Valencia. Celebrated on this

day is the conquest of the city by Jaime I, and various

official acts are staged, the most important of which is

a Civic Procession, headed by the regional flag, which

is brought from the City Hall and carried around the

streets of the city.

VALENCIA BY NIGHT

Open-air concerts, fireworks, poetry recitals and modern

music... Night entertainment is greatly influenced by

the climate. People turn out and stay out until late,

filling bars, cafés terraces and night spots that start up

for the Fallas festivities in March and continue well into

October. There are many sites in different quarters of

the city, and lots of action on the beach, along the

seafront promenade that has made the Malvarrosa beach

a major nighttime entertainment area.

42 43

Visitors wanting to take back with them a souvenir of

their stay will have no difficulty in doing so - if they can

decide what to choose from. The streets of all areas of

the city are full of possibilities - it’s called window

shopping made easy. Some shops sell goods and products

that have been handcrafted since time immemorial,

whereas others offer the latest in fashion and design.

The streets around the Cathedral and the Ayuntamiento

(City Hall) have a number of specialized stores with a

traditional flavour, offering silverware, fans, lacework,

wickerware and basketry, old books, second-hand goods

and antiques, and many other things that attract the

eye. Ceramics from Manises come in thousands of varieties

- from blue tones on white to the highly prized metallic

reflections.

You may also see rare ceramic products such as the

socarrats from Paterna - earthenware tiles with burnt-on

patterns - and pottery and porcelain from other parts of

the province.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET CRAFTSMANSHIP

Valencian cuisine is based on a fertile ‘huerta’ or market garden,

and fresh fish and shellfish from the Mediterranean. Fruits and

vegetables are available at almost any time of year. The queen

of local products is rice, served in an infinity of manners: paella,

arroz al horno (oven-baked), a banda (in fish stock), negre (with

baby squid and ink), amb bledes (with spinach), amb fesols i

naps (with beans and turnip).

Another local dish called fideuà is like a paella but made with

noodles instead of rice. All i pebre (eels in garlic and sweet

pepper sauce); suc de peix (fish stew); and other dishes made

with fish and shellfish can all be tasted in Valencia. For dessert

there are many sweets of Arabic origin such as rosegons, arrop

i talladetes, and arnadí, pumpkin pastries or other sweetmeats

made during local festivities, such as Easter buns and Sant

Dionís sweets in October.

No visit to Valencia would be complete without a taste of the

wines made in the region, or tiger nut milk called horchata from

Alboraya - usually accompanied by ‘cake sticks’ called fartons,

or agua de Valencia (combining orange juice and cava).

4544

EXCURSIONS FROM VALENCIA

THE INTERIOR

Xátiva, papal city 58 km away

Xátiva is the birthplace of the painter El Españoleto, and that of two popes from the

Borja dynasty. Visits are recommended to the Seu (cathedral), the churches of San Félix

and San Pere, the Royal Hospital, the palace of the Marquis of Montortal and the Alarcó

palace, the many fountains in the town and its enormous castle on the mountain - a

fusion between an Iberian fortress and a Roman stronghold. The sweet-toothed should

not leave Xátiva without trying a dessert called arnadí - made especially during Lent. A

visit to the Almodí museum features a portrait of King Felipe V hanging upside down.

It has long been a tradition here, because the townsfolk were once expelled and the

town was set to the torch by this king after he won the battle of Almansa in 1707.

El Alto Turia, natural beauty 73 km away

The Turia river lends its name to this mountainous district in the hinterlands, and before

passing through tiny villages it runs through canyons and ravines that form a wild and

exciting landscape for rafters and canoers heading for the Benagéber dam. The area can

also be visited on horseback or on foot. At mealtimes, try the local olla churra (a meat

stew). The famed Alto Turia wines, especially the whites, are highly recommended.

La Plana de Utiel-Requena 82 km away

Requena and Utiel share the same district, history and a landscape dominated by

vineyards. In Requena, the Medieval quarter of La Villa contains a rich heritage that

must be seen: the churches of San Nicolás, Santa María and El Salvador, the Home of

Santa Teresa de Avila and the Palace of El Cid. In Utiel, visit the El Salvador college,

the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the convents of La Merced and San

Francisco, the Casa Consistorial, the bullring, and the chapel of El Remedio up in the

Sierra del Negrete. Both in Requena and in Utiel you can taste some delicious locally

made sausage meats and try the wines and cavas made here.

Valencia province has thousands of interesting sights to see, in a land full of contrasts from

the days of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Christians and modern-day Spain.

ALONG THE COAST:

Sagunto, between the Sierra Calderona and Mediterranean 27 km away

This town dates back to Iberian days when it was called Arse, then becoming the Roman

Saguntum, the Moorish Murviter and the Christian town of Morvedre. It still preserves the

signs of ancient splendour and much of its castle, the remains of a temple to Diana, the

Gothic churches of Santa María and Salvador, the Medieval Jewish quarter and its portal

(el Portal de la Sang), the chapel of the Sacred Blood, a handsome Ayuntamiento, the

bishop’s residence (Casa del Bisbe), a porticoed Plaza Mayor and the ancient granary or

Almudín. The Roman Theatre is used in summer for musical performances, dance and

theatre, and it attracts international names.

Cullera, a mountain spur on the sea 40 km away

Cullera is the only mountain spur near the sea in the entire gulf of Valencia. It was crowned

with a castle that offers fine views over the flat fields and gardens surrounding it. Troubled

by Barbary pirate attacks for many decades, it still conserves its Marenyet tower to the south

and a lighthouse to the north, near the Dragut cave and the Volcán cave with prehistoric

remains. A visit to the southern side is recommended to see the estany or inland lagoon,

where various restaurants offer rice dishes, and tapas of all kinds in pleasant surroundings.

Gandía, the splendour of the Borjas 69 km away

Originally an Iberian settlement, Gandía became famous in the 15th century as a courtly

outpost on the coast thanks to Juan de Borja, second Duke of Gandía. It is to this century

that the town owes most of its rich heritage, which we can discover on a brief tour: the Santa

María College, the Dukes’ Palace, the San Marcos Hospital, the St Clare Convent and the

Ayuntamiento or Town Hall. Outside the town is the castle of Bayren and the farmstead

(alquería) of the Duke of Gandía. This is the cradle of the noodle paella called fideuà, which

can be savoured at any of the restaurants along its famous 5km-long fine, sandy beaches.

46

ABBA ACTEON Vicente Beltrán Grimal, 2. 46023 Valencia Tel. 96 331 07 07 Fax. 96 330 22 30

ASTORIA PALACE Plaza Rodrigo Botet, 5. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 398 10 00 Fax. 96 398 10 10

CONQUERIDOR Cervantes, 9-11. 46007 Valencia Tel. 96 352 29 10 Fax. 96 352 28 83

DIMAR Gran Via Marqués del Turia, 80. 46005 Valencia Tel. 96 395 10 30 Fax. 96 395 19 26

FERIA Avda. de las Ferias, 2. 46035 Valencia Tel. 96 364 44 11 Fax. 96 364 54 83

MELIA PLAZA Plaza Ayuntamiento, 4. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 352 06 12 Fax. 96 352 04 26

MELIA REY DON JAIME Avda. Baleares, 2. 46023 Valencia Tel. 96 337 50 30 Fax. 96 337 15 72

NH CENTER Ricardo Micó, 1. 46009 Valencia Tel. 96 347 50 00 Fax. 96 347 62 52

PARADOR EL SALER Avda. de los Pinares, 151. 46012 El Saler Tel. 96 161 11 86 Fax. 96 162 70 16

REINA VICTORIA Barcas, 4. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 352 04 87 Fax. 96 352 04 87

TURIA Profesor Beltrán Báguena, 2. 46009 Valencia Tel. 96 347 00 00 Fax. 96 347 32 44

MELIA VALENCIA PALACEPaseo Alameda, 32. 46023 Valencia Tel. 96 337 50 37 Fax. 96 337 55 32

HOTEL-CASINO MONTE PICAYOUrb. Monte Picayo, s/n. A-7, Salida 7. 46530 Puzol Tel. 96 142 01 00 Fax. 96 142 21 68

SIDI SALERPlaya de el Saler, s/n. 46012 El Saler (Valencia) Tel. 96 161 04 11 Fax. 96 161 08 38

H

AD HOC Boix, 4. 46003 Valencia Tel. 96 391 91 40 Fax. 96 391 36 67

BELERET Campamento, 80. 46035 Benimamet Tel. 96 364 05 05 Fax. 96 364 03 03

CONSUL DEL MAR Avda. del Puerto, 39. 46021 Valencia Tel. 96 362 54 32 Fax. 96 362 16 25

H

H

ACCOMMODATION

Large, modern and practical, or small, cosy and intimate - the city offers a complete lineup

of hotels in which comfort and quality are the watchwords in installations and services.

In new buildings with rooftop swimming pools and convention space, or beautifully

rehabilitated buildings of old, Valencia's hotels offer a selection which is capable of

satisfying tourist groups and executives, adventurers and congress participants, families

and businesspersons of all kinds.

EXCELSIOR Barcelonina, 5. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 351 46 12 Fax. 96 352 34 78

EXPO HOTEL Avda. Pío XII, 4. 46009 Valencia Tel. 96 347 09 09 Fax. 96 348 31 81

EXPRESS BY HOLIDAY INN VALENCIA Escritor Rafael Ferreres, 22. 46013 Valencia Tel. 96 316 25 30

EXPRESS BY HOLIDAY INN VALENCIA SAN LUIS Av. Ausias March, 99. 46013 Valencia Tel. 96 334 34 03

HUSA SERRANO General Urrutia, 48. 46013 Valencia Tel. 96 334 78 00 Fax. 96 334 78 01

MELIA CONFORT INGLES Marqués de Dos Aguas, 6. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 351 64 26 Fax. 96 394 02 51

NH ABASHIRI S. LUIS Avda. Ausiàs March, 59. 46013 Valencia Tel. 96 373 28 52 Fax. 96 373 49 66

NH CIUDAD DE VALENCIA Avda. del Puerto, 214. 46023 Valencia Tel. 96 330 75 00 Fax. 96 330 98 64

NH VILLACARLOS Avda. del Puerto, 60. 46023 Valencia Tel. 96 337 50 25 Fax. 96 337 50 74

SOROLLA Convento Santa Clara, 5. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 352 33 92 Fax. 96 352 14 65

47

LLAR Colón, 46. 46004 Valencia Tel. 96 352 84 60 Fax. 96 351 90 00

MEDITERRANEO Barón de Cárcer, 45. 46001 Valencia Tel. 96 351 01 42 Fax. 96 351 01 42

RENASA Avda. Cataluña, 5. 46010 Valencia Tel. 96 369 24 50 Fax. 96 393 18 24

HR

CONTINENTAL Correos, 8. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 353 52 82 Fax. 96 353 11 13

FLORIDA Padilla, 4. 46001 Valencia Tel. 96 351 12 84 Fax. 96 351 12 84

LA PEPICA Avda. de Neptuno, 2. 46011 Valencia Tel. 96 371 41 11 Fax. 96 371 42 00

PATILLA Pinares, 10. 46012 El Saler Tel. 96 183 03 82 Fax. 96 183 03 84

VILLARREAL Angel Guimerá, 58. 46008 Valencia Tel. 96 382 46 33 Fax. 96 384 02 47

HR

HR

ANDRES Aguilera, 7. 46012 El Saler Tel. 96 183 01 11

EUROPA Ribera, 4. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 352 00 00 Fax. 96 352 03 51

INTERNACIONAL Bailén, 8. 46007 Valencia Tel. 96 351 94 26 Fax. 96 352 15 78

VALENCIA Convento San Francisco, 7. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 351 74 60 Fax. 96 352 93 87

SOL PLAYA Avda. de Neptuno, 56. 46011 Valencia Tel. 96 356 19 20 Fax. 96 372 74 31

H

ALKAZAR Mosén Femades, 11. 46002 Valencia Tel. 96 351 55 51 Fax. 96 351 25 68

21 MERCAVALENCIA Carrera en Corts, 231. 46013 Valencia Tel. 96 367 84 84 Fax. 96 367 87 86

H

48

PRACTICAL TIPS

CLIMATE: Valencia, with an average annual temperature

of 20˚ C, enjoys mild winters and hot summers.

SHOPPING HOURS: Shops are generally open from 10.00

to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00 hours, Mondays

through Saturdays, although some vary, and department

stores usually open straight through from 10.00 to

21.00 hours.

BANKS: Banks open from Monday to Friday from 8.30

or 9.00 to 14.00 or 14.30 and some banks open certain

afternoons in the week.

IVA (VAT): Visitors from outside the European Union

may recover the Value Added Tax (IVA) paid on products

purchased during their stay in Valencia by safeguarding

an invoice or their purchase and contacting the Customs

Service (Servicio de Aduanas - Tel. 96 367 13 00).

HOLIDAYS: Local holidays in the city of Valencia are

San Vicente Mártir (January 22nd), San José or St

Joseph's Day (March 19th), the feast day of San Vicente

Ferrer (first Monday after Easter Week) and October

9th (Founding of the Valencia Region).

Paz, 48

46003 Valencia

Tel. 96 398 64 22

Fax 96 398 64 21

Email: touristinfo.valencia@turisme.m400.gva.es

Játiva, 24 (Railway Station)

46007 Valencia

Tel. 96 352 85 73

Fax 96 352 85 73

Email: touristinfo.renfe@turisme.m400.gva.es

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1

46002 Valencia

Tel. 96 351 04 17

Fax 96 352 58 12

Email: touristinfo.aytovalencia@turisme.m400.gva.es

Poeta Querol, s/n "Teatro Principal" building

46002 Valencia

Tel. 96 351 49 07

Fax. 96 351 99 27

Email: touristinfo.dipuvalencia@turisme.m400.gva.es

TOURIST INFO

For further information on anything you might

require during your stay, please contact any of

the following tourist offices.

www.landofvalencia.com

Valencia has a complete network of road, air and maritime links connecting it to major

Spanish cities and other international destinations. To travel round the city you can use

bus lines, the metro, trams or taxis.

Aeropuerto de Valencia (Valencia Airport) Manises 8 km from the city centre

Tel. 96 159 85 00

Serviberia: 902 400 500

Puerto de Valencia (Port of Valencia) 4 km from the city centre

Tel. 96 393 95 00

Trasmediterránea (connections to the Balearics): 902 45 46 45 (reservations)

Aumar A-7 Motorway

Tel. 96 335 88 10

RENFE (Spanish Railways) 902 240 202

Estación de Autobuses (Bus Station) 96 349 72 22

Metro Valencia 96 397 40 40

EMT Empresa Municipal de Transporte

City Bus lines: 96 352 83 99

Dirección General de Tráfico (Traffic Dept.) 900 12 35 05

LINKS

49