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Car Rental Valencia - A Valencia Guide
Science City, Valencia, Spain
Historical Buildings & Museums Parks & Gardens Nightlife & Festivals

Explore Valencia with Carhire3000

Valencia is one of Spain’s largest cities and renowned as being the liveliest with a vibrant nightlife, bustling commercial district, popular beaches and raucous festivals. Previously a largely industrial centre, it has turned to tourism in recent years, investing in its culture and restoring a number of ancient landmarks. Its Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and mild winters make it a popular destination year-round and the airport welcomes both low-cost and scheduled flights, making it a popular gateway to southern Spain and the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Costa Dorada.

Historical old town

Sightseeing in Valencia should begin amongst the historical streets of the Old Quarter, encircled by the modern tram tracks which lie on the site of the old town walls. Today, little remains of these ancient walls but the 15th century Serrano and Quart Watch Towers can still be seen and visitors to the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Modern can see partial remains of the city’s ramparts in one of its galleries.

The bustling Barrio del Carmen is a thriving district with numerous bars and shops as well as a number of buildings which date back to Roman and Arabic times. Of particular note is Valencia Cathedral, believed to be built on the site of the old Roman Temple to Diana and home, it is claimed, to one of the Holy Grail chalices. Built mainly in Gothic style but with later additions providing fine examples of Baroque and Romanesque architecture, the cathedral is also known for its octagonal bell-tower “Miguelete” which offers spectacular views over the surrounding districts. Beside the cathedral is the Archiepiscopal Palace and a chapel dedicated to the city’s patron saint “Virgen de los desamparados”.

Close by, within the Mercat district, is the Gothic Silk Exchange, La Lonja de la Seda, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Inside, the beautiful “Sala de Contratación” (Contract Hall) with its elegant columns and high ceilings illustrates the wealth and influence of this city in the 15th century. Still in use today, the hall hosts regular exhibitions.

Museums

Valencia is home to a number of unique and interesting museums, many of which are now open to the public for little or no charge.

The futuristic looking cultural complex of the City of Arts & Sciences (“Ciutat de les Arts I de les Ciencies”), designed by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is a must-see.  Here you will find a science museum (El Museo de las Ciencies Principe Felipe), opera house (El Palau de las Arts Reina Sofia), IMAX cinema, planetarium and the Oceanografic marine park with underwater tunnels and a large aquarium.

The Museum of Fine Arts Museo de Bellas Artes houses a collection of 14th-16th century works, including paintings by El Greco and Goya.

The Instituto Valenciano de Arte Modern (IVAM) is one of Spain’s leading modern art museums with permanent and temporary exhibitions exploring the world of 20th century art within 8 galleries, one of which also houses the remains of the city’s medieval ramparts.

The “Fallas” Art Museum displays the “ninots” and “fallas” figures which are spared from burning each year during the city’s famous Fallas Festival.

The Museo Taurino is one of Spain’s oldest bull-fighting museums with memorabilia dating back to the 18th century.

The Museo Maritimo Joaquin Saludes, located in the Torres de Serranos, this maritime exhibition displays objects reclaimed from the Mediterranean seabed as well as a number of model ships.

The Museo del Arroz is based in an old rice mill and demonstrates how rice is transformed from the harvested ingredients into the product we recognise in the kitchen today.

For fine examples of Valencia’s traditional tile-making industry visit the Museo Nacional de Cerámica

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Historical Buildings & Museums Parks & Gardens Nightlife & Festivals


This webpage is intended to be used as a source of information only. Traveljigsaw gives no warranty or guarantee whatsoever regarding the accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness of the information provided for these events and attractions.  Any warranties regarding such information which may be implied by law, statute or otherwise are hereby excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Visitors are advised to check the accuracy of the information provided here for themselves, including dates, fees and times, with the attractions or event providers themselves