City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is an ensemble of six areas in the dry river bed of the now diverted River Turia in Valencia, Spain. Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and started in July 1996, it is an impressive example of modern architecture. The "city" is made up of the following, usually known by their Valencian names: El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (Opera house and performing arts centre) L'Hemisfèric (Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium) L'Umbracle (Walkway / Garden) El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe ( Science museum) Oceanografic ( Open-air aquarium or oceanographic park) Ágora (A versatile space that will allow the holding of varied events). Surrounded by attractive streams and pools of water, it and the surrounding areas of the "city" are typically used as a relaxing place to walk day or night, with an open air bar outside El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe during the evening.

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia

A spectacular building, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, dedicated to promoting the performing arts. With an extension of 55,000 square meters, the Palau de les Arts is divided into four separate halls, all boasting the latest technological advances conceived to stage all kinds of opera, musical and theatrical performances.

Hemisferic

Hemisferic is an splendid Laserium, Planetarium and IMAX cinema (over a 900 square meters of screen). It belongs to the City of Arts and Sciences complex. The building was designed by Santiago Calatrava. It has the shape of an eye, and is reflected 24.000 square meters lake. The cover of the cinema looks like the eye lips of the eye, and can be closed or opened.

Oceanografic

Oceanografic invites us to travel around the planet's main seas and oceans. More than 45,000 examples of 500 different marine species inhabit nine underwater towers that, structured in two levels, represent the most emblematic ecosystems of the planet.

Agora

The new icon of the City of Arts and Sciences is a versatile space that will allow the holding of varied events. A multi-functional setting has been planned for the staging of congresses, conventions, concerts, and performances; it can also be converted into an exhibition area. The Agora is a metallic structure with a ground plan resembling a pointed ellipsis some 88 metres long and 66 metres wide, and a covered area of some 4,811 square metres.

Jardines del Real o Viveros

Century:Arabic origin Outstanding gardens Natural Sciences Museum here This gardens are called Jardines del Real by the valencians, which used to be part of the Royal Palace, or Viveros (greenhouses). It is the biggest park in the city and an ideal place to relax.

Serranos Towers Style:Gothic

Century:XIV Splendid views on the top The Serranos Towers are considered to be the largest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe, and were constructed at the end of the 14th century by Pere Balaguer as part of the city's fortification. They provisionaly housed prison cells and served as a triumphal arch on many festive and solemn occasions. You can enjoy splendid views of the city and the river Turia from its terraces.

Cathedral

Style:Gothic Century:XIII-XVIII From Romanesque to Baroque The Cathedral of Valencia (Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral), commonly known as the "Seu", was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia Pere d'Albalat and was dedicated by order of James I the Conqueror to Saint Mary. It was built upon the mosque, which in turn had been raised in place of the former Visigothic cathedral. Gothic architecture is the predominant style of this cathedral, although it also contains Romanesque, Renaissance art, Baroque and neoclassical elements.

One of the supposed Holy Chalices, present around the world, is revered in one of this cathedral's chapels; this chalice has been defended as the true Holy Grail; indeed, most Christian historians all over the world declare that all their evidence points to this Valencian chalice as the most likely candidate for being the authentic cup used at the Last Supper. This chalice dates from the 1st century, and was given to the cathedral by king Alfons el Magnànim in 1436.

Casa Vestuario

Changing Room House Style:Neoclassical Century:XIX Meeting point of Water Court This neo-Classical building serves as the meeting-point for the magistrates of the Water Tribunal before they attend court sessions. The windows of the facade are crowned by both straight and curved pediments which contain a sculptured shield holding the city's coat-of-arms.

Tribunal de las Aguas de Valencia

The Valencia Water Court

Origin: VII century (Andalusi age)

Traditional common-law body. Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO The Valencia Water Court is a traditional common-law body, custodian of an age-old community-focused and democratic water culture. Following its nomination presented jointly by the regions of Valencia and Murcia, it has been declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

El Miguelete

Tourist Attractions: Bell tower Style:Gothic Century:XIV-XV On the top magnificent views Bell tower "El Miguelete" is a gothic style construction made in the fourteen century and finished in the fifteen. Authors were Cathedral’s master Andrés Juliá and the architect Pere Balaguer, who also built Serranos Towers.

Its name, "El Miguelete", comes from the name of its biggest bell "Miguel", made in 1532 and with more than ten tons of weight. Inside there is an enormous spiral staircase with 207 steps up to the summit from where you can enjoy amazing views of the city, even the sea.

Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken

Style:Baroque Century:XVII Dedicated to the patron of the city This temple, built upon the ruins of the Roman forum and dedicated to the patron of the city, is linked to the cathedral by way of a Renaissance arch. Everything inside revolves around the statue of the Virgin, a Gothic sculpture with the head leaning slightly to one side, and covered with a robe and jewels. In the XVIII century, the two innocents who are at her feet were added, and the whole thing is now set upon a mechanical device which allows the statue to revolve. The central nave is covered by an oval-shaped dome, with frescos painted by Antonio Palomino.

Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina Style: Gothic Church Baroque Tower Century:XIII (Church) XVII-XVIII(Tower) Valencian baroque masterpiece. If you walk down La Paz street heading towards the Plaza de la Reina, you will see Santa Catalina church's beautiful and baroque bell tower. Once in the plaza, you can get a full appreciation for the beauty and ornateness of the church, contrasting with the sobriety of "El Miguelete's", the Cathedral bell tower. These two towers are, according to popular legend, husband and wife. Santa Catalina's origins date back to the time of Catholic conquest of the city, when in a demonstration of power over the conquered Moors, king Jaime I built wonderful structures throughout the city such as this one. Santa Catalina, known as a baroque church, is really much older. Behind the baroque facade and in the interior you will find an early gothic structure.

Plaza Redonda

Round Square Style:Eclectic Century:XIX The Plaza Redonda is one of those little corners of Valencia that possess a special kind of charm, much appreciated by tourists, visitors and residents alike. Easily accesible from San Vincente Mártir street, this square is one of the many must-visit sites in the city. It's a small interior square surrounded by small and narrow streets, inviting you to explore the old quarter. 'Redonda' means round and this "square" is in fact circular in shape. Every Sunday morning it turns into an improvised marketplace where you will find everything from everyday items to the most unexpected: from inexpensive clothing to pets, souvenirs, or religious stamps and statuettes. There are also some stands where you can find typical white and blond lace open throughout the week. Later and after a bit of shopping, you can relax at any of the wide assortment of restaurants and "tapas" bars available.

Cripta Arqueologica de la Carcel de San Vicente

Crypt of the Prison of San Vicente Style:Visigothic Century:VI Archaeological excavation with chapel

This includes the crypt and the prison. The church and the crypt were originally prepared to be used by a prelate. Being part of the bishopric, there is no doubt these communicated directly with the cathedral. At the lowest level of the place, markings from the Via Augusta were found within what was the city. As for the prison, tradition says that San Vicente the Martyr was scourged here. One hundred years later, it was converted to an oratory and chapel that still remains today, and where in 1777, the well was discovered.

Mercado Central

Central Market Style:Modernist Century:XX Open only in the morning

This masterpiece of modernist architecture in Valencia was designed in 1914 by Francisco Guardia and Alejandro Soler and was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928. With a surface area of over 8000 square meters, inside you can find almost whatever in the more than 1000 selling posts: fresh fish, vegetables, meat, fruit... You must go inside to feel the atmosphere of the market, and being surrounded by the smells and colours of this place. Try to visit in during the morning, because it's when it's open.

Lonja de la Seda

The Silk Market Style:Gothic Century:XV Humanity's Heritage by Unesco

The Silk Market is the main monument of the city and a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture. The building has been declared by UNESCO as part of Humanity's Heritage. Construction on the Lonja began in 1483, a project of renowned master builder Pere Compte. Its resemblance to old Medieval castles is based on the rigid appearance of a fortress accentuated by its stone walls. The building contains four main parts, each one for a different use: the main Tower, the Consulado del Mar room, the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange tree courtyard), and the Contracts Room (with many spiral columns).

Torres de Quart

Quart Towers Style:Late Gothic Century:XV Inside: beautiful glass dome. The Quart Towers were a part of this old Christian city wall build in the 14th century but the towers are from the 15th century. The exterior of the monument still shows signs of the bombardments suffered during France's siege of the city in 1808. The building has been used through the centuries for different purposes, from a womans prison to a military prison.

IVAM Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno

Valencian Institute of Modern Art Type museum:Fine Arts Collection:20th Century Art The Valencian Institute of Modern Art was created to explore and disseminate 20th century art through a comprehensive and attractive programme of activities such as exhibitions, conferences, courses, workshops and publications. Perched on the banks of the River Turia, with its back to the historic centre of Valencia, the IVAM comprises the Julio González Centre, opened in 1989, and the Sala de la Muralla, which was opened in 1991 and is located in the basement of the previous building alongside the remains of the city’s mediaeval fortifications.

The IVAM is a building that was opened in 1989 and it is divided into seven galleries intended for both permanent and temporary exhibitions. One of these, with independent access, exhibits the remains of the mediaeval wall of Valencia. The three main galleries are a succession of five halls laid out lineally. There is also a gallery specifically designed for the exhibition of sculptures. And between the temporary displays the IVAM offers the most outstanding modern art of the international panorama.

Palacio de Baylia ( Provincial Government)

Style:Gothic Century:XV-XVIII Today provincial government house. A palatial building that was the original residence of the Bayle general - a public administrator charged with tax collection. It includes a post-academic construction of three levels. Its actual structure dates to changes made in the 19th century. In 1904 it was restored by architects Luis Ferreres and Jose Maria Manuel Cortina, and in 1955 the interior was refurbished for its use as the base for the provincial government.

Palacio de Congresos

Conference Centre Style:Contemporary Century:XX Architect:Sir Norman Foster Its ultra-modern design, high-tech facilities and huge capacity have turned this new conference centre in to a venue of first choice in Spain for all types of conferences, seminars and conventions. You now have to book your event in here two years in advance. It's the work of famous British architect Norman Foster and opened in 1998. It can be used for cultural events as well.

Parque de Cabecera

Cabecera Park

Century:XX 334,000 m2 of green space Pine trees and boat trip Cabecera Park, some 334,000 square metres of green space offering the ample shade of pine trees, boat trips and bars in which to enjoy tapas in the spring sun. A small hill located within the park also offers splendid views of the city. Next to the Park, the recently-inaugurated Bioparc offers an environmental alternative in which to spend an excellent day in the company of lemurs, zebras, elephants and lions within an atmosphere that takes us directly to the heart of Africa.

The park covers over a kilometre of the former bed of the River Turia, in an area between the edge of the city and the surroundings. The idea for the park was to turn this space into a riverside wood, typical of the environs of Mediterranean rivers, blending vegetation, topography and water. This strategy helped to solve the transition between the rigid embankments of the River Turia, built in the 18th century to protect the city from flash floods, and the natural riverbed upstream. The water, the vegetation, the topography and the dry stone walls are the structuring features on which the concept of the park is based.

Bioparc

Bioparc Valencia is a new generation zoo conceived with the zoo-immersion philosophy. When entering the more than 100,000 m2 park, the visitor feels totally submerged in the wild habitats that have been recreated here: the Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. Bioparc is the new space for animals that the city of Valencia has situated in the park called Parque de Cabecera, to the north of the garden of the old course of the River Turia. Visitors can enjoy, practically without barriers, spectacular landscapes in which different species co-exist as they would in nature.

Ayuntamiento

City Hall Style:Eclectic Century:XVIII-XX Situated in the square which bears the same name, you will find the Ayuntamiento de Valencia (Valencia Town Hall), a key point of reference for visitors and inhabitants equally. Built in an eclectic style, it is home to the daily hectic movements of officialdom. It is also the best seat in the house, as it was, to watch the most characteristic events of the city, such as the daily mascleta (daylight fireworks) during the week of the Fallas festival. The Ayuntamiento was built in the 18th century. Inside there is an elegant marble staircase, a ballroom and the council meeting room. The City History Museum can also be found under the roof of this noble building.

Edificio de Correos

Post Office Style:Eclectic Century:XX (1915) Inside: beautiful glass dome. Construction of the Central Post Office or Correos building began in 1915 and was finished seven years later. It was designed by the architect Miguel Angel Navarro, and its design is clearly eclectic, the dominant style at the time. The most noteworthy feature of the building is the main entrance. It's set out from the rest of the structure and flanked by double Ionic columns and semi-circular arches, crowned with impressive allegorical figures on top. The building is found on central Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and serves as a reference point for passers-by. It's well-worth stopping in just to buy stamps and mail off those postcards.

Estacion del Norte

The North Railway Station Style:Modernist Century:XIX-XX Inside ceramic decoration. The North Railway Station is a modernist jewel of the city, with "Sezesión Vienesa" style, was built between 1906 and 1917 by Valencian architect Demetrio Ribes. On the front facade you can see the most typical elements of valencian culture: oranges, barracas (valencian traditional house), La Albufera (the lake), women dressed with traditional valencian dress... Inside, the decoration of the vestibule (hall) is beautiful, and then there is the iron nave over the rail roads.

Plaza de Toros

Bullring

Style: Eclectic (a copy of the amphitheatre of Nimes)

Century: XIX

The Bullring is located in the city centre, next to the Northern Station. It is an eclectic building design by Sebastián Monleón, built between 1850-1860, of 18 metres high and the ring has a diameter of 52 metres. The main bullfights take place during Fallas (March) and at the July Fair.

Mercado de Colon

Colon Market Style:Modernist Century:XX Today city meeting point This huge surface area of three central aisles and two large lateral awnings was built when the city underwent one of its first processes of expansion. An iron structure with a glass roof covers the central part, and stone and ceramic work in mosaic depicting scenes from Valencia's countryside are amongst its main characteristics.

Baños arabes del Almirante

Almirante Moorish Baths Style:Muslim architecture Century:XIV 3 areas: cold, warm and hot water The Baños del Almirante (Admiral's Baths), also called Abd-al-Malik, are just a short distance form the Almudin. This Arab bath house was built in the 13th century, shortly before the triumphal entrance and conquest by (Catholic) Jaime I. It is the only one remaining in the city of the original 10 at that time. In 1963, the decorative touches added in the 19th century were removed to restore its original appearance. The doorway is interesting, in a typical Arabic style, with a horseshoe-shaped entry leading to a narrow passageway decorated in colourful tiles, some dating from the Arab times.

Universidad

The Old University of Valencia Style: Eclectic. Neoclassical Cloister Century: XVIII You'll find the building that housed the first university in Valencia just behind the Real Colegio del Patriarca. The university building is an elegant example of Neoclassicism and has valuable sculptures inside. The most outstanding feature about the exterior, however, is its austerity, especially if you compare it to the Palacio del Temple, another neoclassical building but much more creative. The central cloister is calm and pleasant, surrounded by Doric columns full of references to teaching. There's also a bronze statue of Luis Vives in the middle.

Casa del Punt de Gantxo

Punt de Gantxo House Style:Modernist Century: Early XX Built upon the old San Valero chapel. The Casa del Punt de Gantxo was built by the architect Manuel Peris Ferrando. Its organic decorative quality associates it to a native modernism. The chapel of San Vicente and San Valero with its Baroque door is inserted into the ground floor. Apart from the general decoration, it is worth mentioning the top floor, which is an example of the change in mentality of the period.