Sights in Valencia

The Silk Exchange is one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in Europe. Silk is no longer traded, but you can visit the immense trading hall. In earlier times, traders who were no longer able to pay their debts were locked up in the tower.

The imposing gateway to the city is flanked by two gothic towers. They've served as a prison for about 300 years. In dry weather you can climb the towers. The Torres de Serranos were part of the city walls of Valencia until the 19th century.

The Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe (Valencia Science Museum) is part of the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias by architect Santiago Calatrava. The buildings themselves are worth a visit, but the museum is also a must, for both young and old.

A sharp contrast to the modern construction of Calatrava is the cathedral of Valencia, La Seu. The biggest attraction is in the museum: the Holy Grail. Legend has it that this is the stone cup that Jesus used during the Last Supper.

Ex-dictator Franco once had the unfortunate plan to turn the dry riverbed of the Turia into a highway. That didn't happen and the bed is now a green lung right through the city. The Jardins del Turia are a meeting place for Valencians, but also a place where many festivities are organized.

The largest aquarium in Europe is located in Valencia. You will get a lot of information about marine life and thousands of fish and other marine animals live in the various tanks. A special experience is dining in a restaurant while the fish are swimming around you. l'Oceanogràfic is a fun attraction to visit with the whole family.

Valencia's old working-class neighbourhood is now the vibrant centre of modern art. During the day it is a fairly quiet area with narrow alleys and attractive squares. In the evening El Carme undergoes a metamorphosis: it is the most popular nightlife area in the city. Visit Barrio del Carmen if you really want to experience Valencia's identity and culture.

Valencia's largest festival is held just before early spring: Las Fallas. Each neighbourhood makes a more than life-size caricatural doll, which is carried along in processions. The makers of these dolls have a museum in the north of Valencia, but there is also a Fallas Museum in the center.

If you are a lover of architecture from the 19th and early 20th century you should go to the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. The town hall is impressive (inside and out) and the post office and the building of the Banco de Valencia are also worth a visit.

Just outside Valencia are the studios and workshops where the world-famous Lladró porcelain figurines are made. Here you can see how these figurines are created and how the designs have changed over the years.