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Valencia Attractions: The Cathedral of Valencia stands in the same place where the first temple of the Roman city was erected, and later, an Arab mosque. Built between 1262 and 1426, the many expansions and alterations it has gone through have left their mark in the interesting juxtaposition of styles laid over the prevailing primitive Gothic. The Miguelete, the tower most closely identified with Valencia by people from outside, is the Gothic bell tower of the Cathedral. It rises to a height of 50.85 metres, the same dimensions of its perimeter. The effort it takes to climb all 207 steps to the top of the tower are more than rewarded by the splendid view of the city that it presents. In the Plaza de la Virgen itself, the Basilica of La Virgen de los Desamparados stands out, along with, nearby, the Royal Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the Dominican order in the 13th century, with the approval of King Jaime I. In the historic quarter of Valencia it is possible to find other churches of interest, such as the churches of Santa Catalina, San Nicolás and San Martín. Civil architecture is very important in the history of the city. From the ancient medieval walls, two old gates remain: the Serranos and Quart Towers. The Palau de la Generalitat (Palace of the Autonomous Government) is a Gothic-style structure, built in the 15th century and later extended in the 17th and 20th centuries. The building stands out because of its large Renaissance tower that leads to the Plaza de la Virgen. Yet beyond all doubt, the most remarkable building is the Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), an elegant Gothic structure built towards the end of the 15th century that has been declared World Heritage Site. This ancient trading place holds authentic treasures in its interior, such as the monumental Salón de las Columnas, the Torreón Central and the Sala de Juntas del Consulado del Mar. The City Hall, located in the city centre, occupies the old premises of the 18th century Real Casa de la Enseñanza. Modernism has also left a legacy in this city, with beautiful examples like the Central Market, made of iron, stained glass, and ceramic tiles; the Colón Market; and the magnificent Estación del Norte (North Railway Station). In addition to this huge architectural legacy, a myriad of museums grace the city. One of the most symbolic is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of the Arts and Sciences), a futuristic complex housing the L'Hemisfèric Cinema-Planetarium; the Palace of the Arts, devoted to promoting and publicising art; the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum; and the Universal Oceanographic Park. Valencia occupies one of the top places on the Spanish art scene, thanks to the Institute Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM). This centre has nine galleries that include permanent collections of the works of Julio González and Ignacio Pines, as well as other temporary exhibitions of painting, photography, and modern art, from the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century to the present. Located inside a Baroque building, the San Pío V Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most outstanding in Spain, thanks to its collection of the work of early Valencian artists; its collection includes Valencian school painters such as Hernando Yáñez de la Almedina, Juan de Juanes, the Ribaltas, Ribera, Espinosa, Vicente López, Sorolla, and Pinazo; and other artists of the stature of Pinturicchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, Bosch, El Greco, and Goya. The museum also has sculptures by Mariano Benlliure, as well as interesting archaeological artefacts. Another remarkable art gallery is located in the complex of the Corpus Christi Seminary. The Patriarch's Museum has a 16th and 17th century painting collection, as well as works by Juan de Juanes, El Greco, and early Flemish painters. The church preserves Ribalta's "Last Supper" at the high altar, as well as a Flemish tapestry in the Communion Chapel. The González Martí National Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts Museum is located in the Palace of Marqués de Dos Aguas, built in the 15th century, and refurbished in the 18th century. The interior displays a vast collection of ceramics from Manises, Paterna, and Alcora, some of which date back to Christian times. Just as remarkable are the ancient pottery collection; the "socarrat" ceramic collection; the Chinese and Japanese pieces; and the pieces signed by figures like Picasso. The festive nature of the people of Valencia is represented in two museums: the Museum of the Fallas keeps the "ninots" (papier mâché figures) which have been spared from burning in the annual Valencia fire festival for every years since 1934, and other elements that illustrate the history of the Fallas; and the Falla Artist Museum, where sketches, posters, photographs, and more spared "ninots" on display. Do not forget the City Museum, or the Municipal History Museum, or the homes of famous personalities such as Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and José Benlliure. |