The historical center of Valencia, also known as the Ciutat Vella, is concentrated within 2 square kilometres and boasts amazing monuments and historical buildings. If you are looking for things to do in Valencia, travel through the city center and discover the monuments in Valencia to learn more about the city’s proud history!
The heart of Valencia is in and around the Plaza de la Reina. Heading outwards through the Plaza del Tossal are the spectacular Torres de Quart or the Torres de Serranos. These ancient towers were built by the Valencian government in 1392 AD.
Bordered by the River Turia Park, are other city gems waiting to be explored, such as the Plaza de Toros, Valencia’s North Train Station, and the famous Mercado Central. The historical centre of Valencia welcomes you to enjoy the numerous plazas, buildings, and places of worship that are laced throughout the city. Valencia will leave you breathless!
Santos Juanes Church
Santos Juanes Church in Valencia (Iglesia de San Juan del Mercado or de los Santos Juanes) was declared National Historic Monument in 1947. It was built in Gothic style in 1240 over a mosque. Although it is popularly known as San Juan del Mercado Church, its real name is the Royal Parish of Santos Juanes and is located next to the Central Market.
Church and Convent of Carmen
The Church and Convent of Carmen was founded in 1281 and is one of the most historic places to visit in Valencia. It is located in Carmen Square and it is an architectural monument that houses important historical and architectural history of the city.
San Augustin Church
St. Augustine Parish Church, or San Agustín, is the former convent of the St. Augustine hermit monks. This parish settled in Valencia in 1307. The structure of St. Augustine Church is of gothic style with a single nave, chapels between buttresses, and an open space for the choir.
Santa Catalina Church
Located near Plaza de la Reina, Santa Catalina Church is a symbol of Valencia’s history. The church was built over a mosque and has been with the city since the time of the Reconquest. It is most notable for its bell tower, and exemplary work of the Valencian Baroque period.
Silk Market
The Silk Market, in Spanish “Lonja de la Seda”, is one of the major points of interest in Valencia. A masterpiece of the golden age (Fifteenth Century), the Market portrays the wealth of the city at that time. The construction of the Silk Market began in 1482 and lasted until 1548. Learn more about the beautiful, Silk Market.
House of San Vicente Ferrer
The House of San Vicente Ferrer, saint patron of Valencia, is popularly known as Pouet de San Vicent. Here is the house where San Vicente Ferrer lived and inside is a museum dedicated to his life. Discover more about the House of San Vicente Ferrer.
Central Market
If you are looking for a great food market, look no further. The Central Market, or the “Mercado Central“, is once Valencia’s best markets to buy meat, wine, cheese, fruits, and essential ingredients for a traditional Valencian dish. Open Monday-Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Central Market is the perfect place to try new food.
Colon Market
Another popular market is the Colon Market, “Mercado de Colon,” also situated near the center of the city. More of an indoor plaza, it consists of two stories of mini restaurants and stores. Here you can try some of the best horchata or enjoy a copa of wine or beer.
Council Square
The Plaza de Ayuntamiento, translated into English as the Council Square, is Valencia’s biggest and most central plaza. It is surrounded by beautiful architecture and various places to eat, drink, and shop. For any picture perfect moment, visit the Council Square and admire the beauty of Valencia.
Generalitat Palace
Generalitat Palace was built in 1418 and served as a tax collecting business for the Crown. Nowadays, this palace is one of the major sights of Valencia. Learn more about this monument and visit the Generalitat Palace!
Round Square
Looking for the perfect souvenir to bring back home? Make sure you visit the Round Square, or the “Redonda Plaza” to discover a unique treasure. Located near Plaza de la Reina, Round Square was previously used for trade opportunities and bargaining. It was a meeting place where merchants throughout Spain have left their mark in history.
Miguelete
The name “Miguelete” derives from a blessing given to the bell that occurred on 29 September 1418, the day of San Miguel. This bell tower is also the main bell tower for the city. Here you can climb up its steps and view the city from above. Visit Miguelete and enjoy the many monuments of Valencia!
Quart Towers
Quart Towers, in Spanish “Torres de Quart,” are one of the twelve gates of the once ancient wall that surrounded the old city of Valencia.
The name “Torres de Quart” comes from the tower’s location, since they are halfway between the city center and a village called Quart de Poblet.
Serranos Towers
The Serranos Towers were once used as defense against sieges and attacks. Although it was quite often that the towers were used for ceremonies and official inflows of kings and ambassadors. Serranos Towers has always been considered the main entrance to the city but after the fire of 1586, its reconstruction was used as a prison.
Valencia Post Office
The Valencia Post Office, in Spanish “Edificio de Correos“, is popularly known as the “Palacio de Comunicaciones” and was built by architect Miguel Angel Navarro in 1922. The five special statues at the building’s entrance give the building distinction. Each statue symbolizes an allegory of the communication world. Learn more about the Valencia Post Office!
Almudin
The Almudin was the main building for the storage, distribution, and sale of wheat to the entire city of Valencia. This monument is significant to Valencia’s history and can be visited throughout the week. Discover more about the Almudin and make sure to stop by to see it’s beautiful murals!
Bullring
The Plaza de Toros or as translated in English, the Bullring, is a symbol of Spanish history and culture that is still used to this day. Located next to Xativa station, the Bullring is a great place to visit if you really want to delve into Valencian culture; and you don’t need to go see a bullfight to enter, now a-days there are many concerts and shows here! Don’t miss this opportunity and plan your visit today!
City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a wonder among wonders. Its modern design and architecture differ from the classic baroque designs of the city center. Here you will find many things to do and can easily get lost in all of its beauty. Learn more about the City of Arts and Sciences and figure out which of its amenities you wish to visit most!
Agora
The Agora, just one of the buildings that makes up the City of Arts and Sciences, is a meeting place for various sports and events. It is the latest installment inside the City of Arts and Sciences. Discover more about the Agora!
Santos Juanes Church
Santos Juanes Church in Valencia (Iglesia de San Juan del Mercado o de los Santos Juanes) was declared National Historic Monument in 1947. It was built in Gothic style in 1240 over a mosque. Although it is popularly known as San Juan del Mercado Church, its real name is Royal Parish of Santos Juanes and is […]
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Church and Convent of Carmen
The Church and Convent of Carmen was founded in 1281 and is one of the most charming zones of Valencia. It is located in Carmen Square and it is an architectural monument that houses important historical and architectural history of the city. The Church and Convent of Carmen is one of the best preserved monuments of […]
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San Agustín Church
St. Augustine Parish Church, or San Agustín, is the former convent of the St. Augustine hermit monks. This parish settled in Valencia in 1307. The structure of St. Augustine Church is of gothic style with a single nave, chapels between buttresses, and an open space for the choir. During the Civil War, in 1936, the building […]
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Santa Catalina Church
The Church and Tower of Santa Catalina is located in the Lope de Vega Square, nearby La Plaza de Reina. This construction is one of the oldest monuments of Valencia and is an important place to visit since its history goes back to the time of the Reconquest. It was built on top of a […]
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Silk Market
The Silk Market of Valencia is a memory of the Golden Age. Make sure to visit the market to find one of a kind trinkets.
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House of San Vicente Ferrer
The House of San Vicente Ferrer, saint patron of Valencia, is popularly known as Pouet de San Vicent. Here is the house where San Vicente Ferrer lived and inside is a museum dedicated to his life. The home was acquired by the city of Valencia in 1573 and was almost entirely restored in 1677. By […]
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Central Market
Visit the Central Market of Valencia to enjoy traditional food of the city and wonder at its architectural design.
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Colon Market
Colon Market, in Spanish “Mercado de Colón”, was designed and built between 1914 and 1916 by architect Francisco Mora Berenguer. It was rebuilt in 2003 at a cost of over 30 million euros with the addition of multiple shops to its facilities. This old market was designed to meet the needs of the beginning of […]
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Council Square
Council Square, in Spanish “Plaza del Ayuntamiento”, is the main plaza in the center of Valencia. It was built on the gardens of an old monastery and has suffered many changes up until the beginning of the 20th Century. The last major reform of Plaza del Ayuntamiento was led by the architect Javier Goerlich between 1931 […]
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Generalitat Palace
Generalitat Palace was built in 1418 and served as a tax collecting business for the Crown. Nowadays, this palace is just one of the major sights of Valencia city. Generalitat Palace is made up of a central body of late Gothic style built in 1421. Its two side towers were built between 1518 and 1952. […]
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Round Square
Looking for the perfect souvenir to bring back home? Make sure you visit the “Redonda Plaza” to discover a unique treasure.
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Miguelete
The construction of Miguelete began in 1381 and ended 48 years later in 1429. It is classified as one of the most emblematic monuments in Valencia. For many centuries, Miguelete was called “Campanar Nou” (New Bell Tower) or “Campanar de la Catedral” (Cathedral Bell Tower), to differentiate it from “Campanar Vell” (Old Bell Tower), a […]
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Quart Towers
Quart Towers, in Spanish “Torres de Quart,” are one of the twelve gates of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city of Valencia. The name “Torres de Quart” comes from the tower’s location, since they are halfway between the city center and a village called Quart de Poblet. Quart Towers have a gothic military […]
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Serranos Towers
Serranos Towers, in Spanish “Torres de Serranos“, are one of the twelve gates of the ancient walls that made up the city. It is believed that the towers’ name comes from either the ancient route to Los Serranos, a regions of Valencia Community, or by association with the name of the main family living near […]
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Valencia Post Office
The Post Office of Valencia is a restored beauty of the old world that still functions to this day.
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Almudin
The Almudin was built in 1417 on a Muslim fortress. In ancient times it was much smaller but in the Sixteenth Century is was extended. The Almudin was the main building for the storage, distribution and sale of wheat to the entire city of Valencia. The Almudin is a rectangular building, similar to a Roman basilica. The […]
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Bullring
The Bullring, in Spanish “Plaza de Toros“, is located next to the Valencia North Station and close to Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Plaza de Toros is one of the most impressive neoclassic buildings in Valencia with its 48-side polygonal shape. It measures more than 52 meters in diameter and 17 meters high. It is one of […]
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City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the top major sights chosen by visitors when they decide what to see in Valencia. The City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural and cultural complex located in the old Turia riverbed. It was designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, in collaboration with Félix […]
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Ágora
The recently built Agora the latest addition in the complex City of Arts and Sciences. Located near the bridge L’Assut de L’Or, it is a meeting place for various events and sporting activities. One of the most important events to reach Agora has been the Open 500 in tennis. If you still don’t know what […]
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