Guía de visita a Valencia durante la asociación Comenius Eco Europe Citizen

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.