Recently, we spent a wonderful (sunny) weekend in Valencia, Spain. As the country’s third largest city, there is plenty to see and as the “home of paella” there is certainly plenty to taste. Here’s a look at this friendly, vibrant city through our lens…
Mercado Central
Mercado Central
As one of the oldest food markets in Europe, Valencia’s fascinating Central Market (Mercado Central) sells a tantalizing variety—from fruits to meats to wine and baked goods. The striking building, with its domed ceilings, colorful tiles and ceramics, is worth seeing (even if food is not on your mind).
Plaza de la Virgen
At the center of Valencia’s historic district is the bustling Virgin Square (Plaza de la Virgen), once the forum of Roman Valencia. Surrounded by cafes and landmark buildings, it’s a great place to people watch.
[The photo above shows the Turia Fountain in the foreground, the Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless on the left, Valencia Cathedral in the center with its bell tower, the Miguelete, in the upper right.]
Valencia Cathedral Altar
Valencia Cathedral
Consecrated in 1238, Valencia Cathedral (Iglesia Catedral Basilica Metropolitana de Santa Maria) is an architectural beauty. Designed primarily in the Gothic style, it also contains Romanesque, Baroque, and Neo-Classical elements. The Gothic Chapel of the Holy Chalice (Gothic Capilla del Santo Cáliz), near the main entrance, is said to hold the Holy Grail—the chalice Christ sipped from during The Last Supper.
Museo del Patriarca
The Patriarch Museum (Museo del Patriarca), housed in the Royal College of Corpus Christi Seminary, was founded by Saint Juan de Ribera in the 16th Century. The museum contains a wonderful collection of paintings, including works from El Greco and Francisco Ribalta.
City of Arts and Sciences: L’Hemisfèric (foreground) & El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia
With a modern architectural complex located in a city founded in 138 BC, it’s no wonder Valencia is often described as a “city of contrasts”. Simply striking on a bright, sunny day, the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) contains several fascinating structures, including a cinema, planetarium, science museum, oceanographic park, and an opera house/performing arts center.
Playa de las Arenas—one of Valencia’s city beaches.
Being the birthplace of paella, it wouldn’t be a proper visit to Valencia without feasting on this delicious rice dish more than once. However, in true k&mk fashion, we forgot to take a photograph. Apologies. I can assure you it was terrific. We enjoyed seafood paella (paella de mariscos) at a restaurant along Playa de las Arenas (photo above) as well as traditional Valencian paella (paella valenciana) in the city center. Muy bueno!
Muchos Gracias, Valencia! We had a great time.
k&mk 