The Holy Grail and the Lost River: what to see in Valencia

Once in cozy Valencia, you will be surprised by the unexpected variety of attractions of this Spanish city. Almost every inquisitive tourist is well aware of the architectural masterpieces of pompous Madrid or democratic Barcelona. But even in comparison with these magnificent capitals, Valencia manages to amaze lovers of distant travels with its luxurious buildings, some of which are considered truly unique!

Most of Valencia's attractions are located in the old town area. Visiting them will allow you to better understand the history and modernity of this unique place in sunny Spain. A thorough sightseeing will take at least two days.

Brief information about Valencia:

Inexpensive transfer from Valencia airport to the city.

Find the Holy Grail

Where: Miguelete Cathedral with Bell Tower

Photo: Andrew H, CC BY 2.0

The Valencia Cathedral seems to be made up of unrelated parts. Previously, in its place there was a Visigothic church, which was converted into a mosque. Then the mosque was demolished and the building of the current cathedral was built for several centuries - it turned out to be an intricate mixture of different styles from Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassicism.

Without leaving the cathedral on the street, go to the chapel where the Holy Grail is kept - the cup from which Jesus Christ drank at his last meal. It is not known for sure whether the relic is genuine, but it makes a strong impression. While you catch your breath, admire the chapel's vault, shaped like an eight-pointed star.

To the left of the main entrance to the cathedral, climb the Miguelete Bell Tower along a narrow spiral staircase. Entrance costs 2 euros, sore muscles and the best view of the city are included.

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What to see near Valencia - Albufera Natural Park

If you drive a little further, you can find yourself in one of the most environmentally valuable spaces in Europe.

The Albufera Natural Park, whose crown jewel is Spain's largest lake, is a paradise for many species of birds.

Here you can ride a traditional albuferenk boat through the flooded rice fields with sunset views.

Hang out on the beach

Where: the beaches of Las Arenas and Malvarosa in Valencia, La Pineda and El Saller in the towns closest to Valencia

El Saler beach near Valencia

A trip to Valencia is ideally combined with a holiday at sea. There are kilometers of beaches, oh, and 300 days of sunshine a year.

You can swim comfortably in Valencia from mid-June to the end of September.

To the north of the seaport of Valencia, the city beaches of Las Arenas and Malvarosa stretch without interruption - wide, clean, well equipped. The smooth entry into the sea is suitable for children, and adults will appreciate beach volleyball, which in Spain attracts almost everyone. Malvarosa continues with Patacona Beach - it is further from the city, but calm and uncrowded.

To the south of the port are the beaches of neighboring towns, which can be reached by car in 10–20 minutes. The closest beach to Valencia, La Pineda, begins behind the current canal of the Turia River. It is adjacent to El Saler Beach with beautiful sand dunes.

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Towers of Torres de Quart

Let's start our description of the sights of Valencia with the Torres Towers. The beginning of the second half of the 15th century was marked for provincial Valencia by the completion of the construction of these famous medieval towers. Construction began in 1441 under the direction of Francesc Baldomar, Bonfill Pere and Pere Compte.

Built in Gothic style with masonry and carved stone, the towers are somewhat reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Naples. It was its outline that the architects took as a basis when designing the Torres vu Quart towers.

The towers managed to survive several bloody wars, after which numerous holes remained in the fortress walls, gradually inhabited by agile birds. The buildings suffered the most damage during the French siege of 1808.

These towers attract not only the opportunity to get in touch with the past, but also the desire to admire the roofs of famous Valencian buildings. City guests rush to the observation deck of this attraction, which is open daily. Its role is played by the specially equipped roofs of two brick towers, which still amaze with their power!

Take a walk along the river that doesn't exist

Where: Turia Park

The Turia River used to flow through the center of Valencia - a stroke of luck by the standards of arid Spain. But the wayward flow often overflowed its banks, and after another catastrophic flood in 1957, they decided to pacify Turia. The river was moved four kilometers to the side, and a recreation area was built in the old bed, adjacent to which is a biopark and the City of Arts and Sciences.

In the evenings, locals gather in Turia's manicured gardens to socialize, run, do yoga, ride bikes, walk with their children, or grab a bite to eat at the outdoor café. No one feels cramped.

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Zoo (Bioparc Zoo)

Created in 2008, the zoo is owned by the city but operated by a commercial zoological company. It is located along the Turia Gardens and has a modern concept of designating habitats for animals that are visited by people and not the other way around.

Instead of separating animals from people with railings and cages, they use natural terrain such as large rocks, ditches and rivers to keep them apart. African animals are the highlight of the zoo, although there are other examples from other world ecosystems.

Hotels in the area from Booking.com.

Visit a medieval stock exchange

Where: Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange

In antiquity, silk could only be made in China. The Celestial Empire kept the secret for a long time, but silkworm larvae and production technology still leaked into the big world. Together with the conquering Moors, the art of silk weaving came to the Iberian Peninsula, including Valencia.

By the 15th century, Valencia, already free of the Moors, had become one of the most prosperous trading cities in the Mediterranean, largely due to its silk production. The building of Lonja de la Seda (“silk exchange”) was erected for merchants - a symbol of the Golden Age of Valencia.

Now the Silk Exchange is open as a museum. There is no exhibition: the seventeen-meter ceilings, gargoyles and marble floors are amazing in themselves (UNESCO confirms). To better understand medieval architectural styles, take an audio guide in Russian.

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Museum of Religious Art (Colegio del Patriarca)

The Colegio del Patriarca building was built between 1586 and 1610. The attraction is a striking example of Renaissance architecture. It was originally used as a seminary for training priests. The school was founded by the Archbishop of Valencia, Juan de Ribera.

Over time, the seminary buildings were repurposed into a museum. The initial collection included works of art that decorated the walls of the school.

The Capella de la Concepción displays Flemish tapestries from the 16th century. In the house of the former rector there are magnificent paintings by Dirik Booth, Rogier van der Weyden, Juan de Juanes, Francisco Ribalta, Luis de Morales and El Greco. There you will also find rare Belgian tapestries. At the Iglesia Corpus seminary, the altar is decorated with Ribalt's magnificent painting of The Last Supper.

Ticket price: 3 euros. The ticket includes the museum, the Purisima chapel and the monastery.

Teleport to the future

Where: City of Arts and Sciences

In Valencia, founded by the Romans, there is an absolutely futuristic object - the City of Arts and Sciences. When it was built, there were many dissatisfied: it contrasts too much with the Old Town. Now this place from the future only evokes admiring sighs and the desire to take a ton of selfies.

The City of Arts and Sciences is located in the old bed of the Turia River and consists of seven starship parts: an opera house, an IMAX cinema and planetarium, a garden under a transparent gallery, a science museum, an aquarium, a single-pylon cable-stayed bridge and a competition complex. There are mixed reviews about the science museum: the exhibits can and should be touched, but the annotations are written in Spanish. But everyone likes the aquarium with huge underwater tunnels.

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Listen to the carillon

Where: Valencia Town Hall

You won't confuse Plaza Ayuntamiento with anything else: the Valencian City Hall is one of the most prominent buildings in the city. Previously, there was a college on this site, then it moved, and the city council was housed in the building. To give the new town hall a solid appearance, an elegantly decorated façade was added to it.

The central tower of the town hall was decorated with a clock and a carillon - a musical instrument in which more than twenty bells are controlled from a keyboard. Take this opportunity: the carillon is a rare thing, and in Valencia it plays every hour.

By the way, the expression “raspberry ringing” has nothing to do with raspberries: it is associated with the carillon in Mechelen, Belgium.

From 8:30 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday, don't miss the chance to go inside the Valencian City Hall. Climb the marble staircase, look at the stained glass windows, bas-reliefs and huge crystal chandeliers and be sure to go out onto the balcony from which the mayor addresses the city residents.

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When is the best time to go to Valencia?

Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which by our standards are more like spring.
To explore the sights, it is best to come to Valencia in March–May and September–October: you will avoid the heat, crowds of tourists and high housing prices.

The swimming season in Valencia begins in June and lasts until the end of September. In May the sea is still a little cold, although there are many who like to cool off.

In winter in Valencia there are strong chilly winds from the sea: look for accommodation with air conditioning for heating, and take a jacket and hat with you.

Features of the city

Valencia is the capital of the province of the same name and the third most populous city in Spain. The history of this amazing city began more than 22 centuries ago. The Romans, the barbarians, the Moors, and the Spaniards themselves left their mark here.

The heyday of the then Kingdom of Valencia occurred in the 15th-17th centuries, when it became one of the strategic centers of European trade.

Today Valencia is the second largest port in Spain and a major tourist center.

The Formula 1 international circuit racing competition, popular all over the world, is held here. At the same time, the rhythm of life in the city is leisurely, very similar to a provincial one.

It has beautiful architecture, a lot of greenery, fresh air, a mild climate and very few people. All attractions are located close to each other, so lovers of walks can easily get around them on foot. Although, if you wish, you can use municipal transport or travel around the city by bicycle.

Valencia is an ideal place for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It is also suitable for tourists with small children.

Take part in a water court

Where and when: Thursdays at 12:00 at the Cathedral

In order for grapes, beans, oranges and olive trees to grow better, irrigation canals were laid in Valencia back in the Middle Ages, which are still in use today. Since then, the Water Tribunal has been preserved - a court that resolves controversial issues on canals and water distribution.

Every Thursday at noon, representatives of all nine irrigation canals sit in a circle on chairs near the Cathedral. Farmers state their cases: someone wants to dig a temporary canal to irrigate a distant field, another is dissatisfied that a neighbor is not cleaning his plot well and the water is flowing slowly - the tribunal considers all cases and makes decisions. Spectators with smartphones crowd around, but the judges are not bothered by such trifles.

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Slip into a house a meter wide

Where: Lope de Vega Square, building 6

In Valencia, look carefully around so as not to miss the 107 cm wide La Estrecha house. The Spaniards claim that this is the narrowest house in Europe. In fact, the record holder with a width of 92 cm is located in Warsaw. But plus or minus fifteen centimeters does not change the impression of a facade that you can wrap your arms around entirely.

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Valencia: attractions. Central Market

There are a lot of markets in Valencia, and these markets are very good. Each major district of Valencia has its own indoor food market, which are famous for the freshness and quality of their products. Prices here are sometimes even higher than in chain supermarkets. The most famous of them is the Central Market (Mercado Central), which can be considered one of the attractions of Valencia.

The Central Market can be safely included in an independent itinerary of the sights of Valencia. You don't need a guide to slowly stroll through the rows of hams, cheeses, numerous meats and seafood.

Why is it worth visiting the Valencia market? Here are a few main reasons:

• It is traditionally believed that the best and freshest seafood in Valencia is sold here.
• The market building itself is very beautiful.
• Here you will always be offered Sangria or Aqua de Valencia - a famous alcoholic drink based on orange juice with the addition of vodka and champagne.
• You can have lunch right next to the market: there are a large number of local cafes around the main entrance.

Sights of Valencia on the map: Mercado Central

Look at the palace

Where: González Martí Ceramics Museum in the Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas

You can look at the luxurious Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas for hours.

In the 15th century it was an unremarkable house of a famous merchant family. A noble don married the daughter of a merchant, and their descendants received the double surname Rabassa de Perellos. Then the family bought the baronial title of Dos Aguas, and two centuries later received the title of marquis.

To emphasize their position, the newly minted Marquises of Dos Aguas turned the house into a palace - one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Baroque. Particularly captivating is the dramatic composition above the entrance: the mighty Atlanteans are an allegory of two local rivers, Turia and Jucar, and the Dos Aguas family.

After admiring the palace, do not forget to go inside. Hidden there is the González Martí Ceramics Museum, where elegant figurines, frescoes, ceramic tiles, a real carriage and interiors in the rooms of the Marquis await you.

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Enjoy Horchata

Where: Orchateria Santa Catalina (Plaza Catalina, 6)

Paella in Valencian style - of course. Where else can you try a hearty rice dish with rabbit, chicken, beans and snails if not in its homeland? But in Valencia there is another delicacy that is less conspicuous.

Horchata is a Valencian drink made from ground chufa nodules mixed with water and sugar. Tastes similar to nut milk. The best place to order horchata for the first time is in the historic Santa Catalina horchateria. To complete the experience, take a long farton bun and dip it into a glass of cold horchata.

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Church of St Thomas and St Philip

The building, with its dazzling blue-tiled dome, exemplifies the typical Mediterranean style of Valencia. Iglesia de Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri was built in 1725. In 1982 it was given the status of a National Historic Monument. It is worth paying attention to the original, intricately designed, baroque façade and architectural layout. By the way, the layout was almost 100% copied from the Church of Il Gesu in Rome.

The spectacular interior features a spacious central nave lined with numerous chapels. Catholic mass is celebrated in the church daily. The attraction is closed to the public, but tourists can attend mass to see the beautiful sanctuary.

Address: Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer.

Spy on a giraffe

Where: Biopark Valencia

No dull cages, cloudy glass or electric fences - Valencia Biopark is not like an ordinary zoo. Groomed lions, hippos and giraffes stroll through landscapes similar to their natural environment. Animals are separated from visitors by ponds, stone slides and waterfalls - as if this is a nature reserve and not a park in the city. Harmless lemurs go wherever they want.

Biopark is open from 10:00 to 21:00. It is better to come in the morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active.

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To save money in Valencia, buy the Valencia Card.

It includes free travel on public transport, including from the airport, free or discounted museums and entertainment, and discounts at restaurants and shops.

Valencia Card for 24 hours costs 15 €, for 48 hours - 20 € and for 72 hours - 25 €. If you pay online and pick up at the tourist office, it will be 10% cheaper.

Where to live

Photo: Hotel Villacarlos
For sightseeing and walking, we recommend choosing a hotel closer to the historical center.

Top 5 best in terms of price/quality ratio for a budget holiday:

1. Hospederia del Pilar (Plaza Mercado 19) is a modest hotel in the heart of the city. Suitable for young people, as the bar and club street is a 7-minute walk away.
2. Hotel Villacarlos (Avenida Puerto 60) is a comfortable and inexpensive hotel with delicious breakfasts.
3. Sweet Hotel Continental (Calle Correos – cozy hotel with clean rooms. Buffet breakfast.
4. Hotel Kramer (Avenida Campanar 90) is a good place near Bioparc Valencia. Nearby metro station.
5. Hotel Adhoc Carmen (Calle Samaniego 20) is an original and authentic hotel with two-story rooms in the heart of the city.

For a large family or group of friends, it is more profitable to book an apartment. In Valencia you can find excellent housing options from 45 euros per night for the entire apartment.

Become a fire worshiper

Where and when: March 15–19 throughout Valencia

Every year from March 15 to 19, the Fallas festival, the local Maslenitsa, rages in Valencia.

Fallas comes from the Middle Ages. Every spring, Valencian carpenters burned candle stands that were no longer needed during the long daylight hours. Gradually, wooden boards began to be dressed up in clothes, and the holiday acquired a Christian meaning - it was dedicated to Joseph the Carpenter, the husband of the Virgin Mary. At different times, the figures were made of wood, wax, cardboard and papier-mâché, and the plots became more complex. Nowadays they mostly use polystyrene, which produces realistic giants from half a meter to five floors high.

During the days of the Fallas, from morning until late at night, the whole city walks in the streets, orchestras play, firecrackers explode and the smell of gunpowder does not disappear. Girls dressed in lush national dresses offer millions of flowers to the Holy Virgin, protector of the outcasts and patroness of Valencia. Huge dolls stand everywhere - exactly until the moment the lights come on and all the masterpieces burn in one night, except for one chosen by the audience.

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Learn everything about porcelain

Where: Lladro porcelain factory, Ctra. de Alboraya Polígono Lladró

If the words “porcelain figurine” bring to mind unsightly pioneers and Olympic bears, go to the Lladro factory in the suburbs of Valencia. The products of the famous porcelain factory are in the Hermitage - and when you see this quintessence of tenderness and grace, you will understand: it is deserved.

In addition to the showroom, visit the production facility and see what painstaking work goes into creating one porcelain senorita. The Llardo factory offers free group tours in Russian; you just need to sign up in advance on the website.

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