Located on the Mediterranean on the Costa Blanca, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city. Well known for its oranges and famous dish “paella”, Valencia today is enjoying a resurgence, and offers visitors fine museums, baroque architecture, and fine cuisine.
With the addition of the high-speed AVE train between Madrid and Valencia, visitors can leave Madrid and in just 90 minutes be in Valencia enjoying an authentic paella for lunch.
Here is a list of some of the things to see during your stay in Valencia:
- Cathedral – Gothic cathedral dating from the 13th – 15th C., which houses 2 of Goya’s famous paintings and has a Holy Chalice that is believed to be the true Holy Grail. For more information, click here
- El Miguelete – octagonal tower built in 1381 that offers panoramic views of the Cathedral and the city from its bell tower
- Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) – widely regarded as one of Spain’s’ finest Gothic buildings, built in the 15th C.
- Mercado Central – central market housed in a grand Modernist building with stained glass windows and a beautiful central dome. For more information, click here
- Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) – a futuristic complex designed by famed architect (and native son) Santiago Calatrava. The complex houses a Science Museum, Oceanographic Park, and Palace of the Arts, and is situated on a 90 acre site located in the southern part of the city. For more information, click here
- Institut Valencia d’Art Modern (IVAM) – the city’s Institute of Modern Art, displaying 10th C. avant-garde works, European Informalism, pop art and photography. For more information, click here
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia (Museum of Fine Arts) – contains a large collection of Flemish and native Valencian art, from artists such as Jacomart, Juan Reixach and Joaquín Sorolla, as well as works by Francisco Ribalta, José Ribera, Murillo, Velázquez, and Goya. For more information, click here
- Museo Lladró – contains a large collection of Lladró porcelain arranged in chronological order, as well as an impressive collection of paintings. For more information, click here
- Casa Museo José Benlliure – the elegant house and studio of modern painter-sculptor José Benlliure, which displays 50 of his works, as well as those of his son, Pepino (painter), and brother Mariano Benlliure (sculptor)
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: Elke Wetzig / Photo of Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.