Spain is culture

From the Roman forum to the Arts and Sciences Centre

One of the best options for a cultural journey around the city is to start off in the historic centre. Valencia Cathedral is located in Plaza de la Reina and was built in the same place where the first temple stood in Roman times, and later on, a mosque. Because it was built between 1262 and 1426, and the extensions and renovations carried out later on, there are different styles superimposed on the predominant primitive Gothic.

The Miguelete Tower, the tower that is usually identified with Valencia outside, is the cathedral's Gothic bell tower. It is a steep climb up the 207 steps, but worth it when you get to top and see the splendid views of the city.

Nearby Plaza de la Virgen stands out for the Virgen de los Desamparados Basilica and the Royal Convent of Santo Domingo. The historic centre of Valencia also offers other interesting churches including Santa Catalina, San Nicolás and San Martín.

Civil architecture is very important in the city. Two gates to the city remain from the old medieval wall – Serranos and Quart towers.

In turn, there is the Gothic Palau de la Generalitat government building built in the 15th century and extended between the 17th and 20th. But without doubt, the most standout monument is the Silk Exchange, an elegant Gothic building built at the end of the 15th century which has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Right in the heart of the city is the Town Hall, integrated into the former complex of the 18th-century Real Casa de la Enseñanza. In turn, Modernism left its mark with some examples such as the Central Market, Colón Market and the Norte Station.

A variety of museums

One of the symbols of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences , a futuristic complex comprising six grand elements: the Hemisfèric (IMAX Cinema and digital films) the Umbracle (landscaped vantage point), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanogràfic, the Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts and Ágora (a multi-purpose space).

In turn, with the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), the city holds a top spot in the Spanish contemporary art scene. Its galleries include permanent collections of Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo and house other temporary painting, photography and modern art exhibitions.

The Fine Arts Museum is also one of the most important in the country thanks to its collection of artists from the Valencia school such as Hernando Yáñez de la Almedina, Juan de Juanes, the Ribalta, Ribera, Espinosa, Vicente López, Sorolla and Pinazo; as well as other greats such as Pinturicchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Bosco, El Greco and Goya.

Further, the Patriarca Museum stands out for its collection of 16th and 17th-century painting and works by Juan de Juanes, El Greco and early Flemish painters; the González Martí National Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts Museum has a collection of Manises, Paterna and Alcora pottery pieces.

The party nature of the Valencians is covered by two of its museums: the Fallas Museum and the Museum of the Fallas Artists. Both are dedicated to the most famous and international celebration in the city: the San José Fallas bonfire festival, declared of International Tourist Interest. Make sure not to overlook the Museum of the City or the Municipal History Museum, as well as the homes of famous residents such as Vicente Blasco Ibáñez or José Benlliure.

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