La Lonja de la Seda

The Silk Exchange in Valencia was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 as one of the best examples of late Gothic architecture in Europe. The Valencia Silk Exchange is one of the many beautiful historical sights in Valencia. The construction of La Lonja (also indicated by signs as La Llotja) started in the 15th century, when Valencia was an important trading city.

From the outside, La Lonja looks like a medieval castle, complete with a tower and battlements. The trading was performed in the Sala de Contratacion (Contract Room), with its many impressing spiral columns. Also note the text that has been applied all around. It says the Valencians are honest traders.

In a side wing you will find the Consulado del Mar, where the market tribunal had its seat. This was the first court in Spain to settle trade disputes. If a trader had substantial debts, he was locked up in the tower.

The buildings surround a beautiful courtyard, the Patio de los Naranjos, where - as the name suggests - there are orange trees.

Free guided tours (in Spanish) start at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 18.00 and 19.00. There will also be an audiovisual presentation on the history and architecture of La Lonja in the Consulado del Mar.