Amazing Examples Of Valencian Gothic Architecture

Situated in the core of the oldest part of Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda represents one of the main historical attractions of the city. Considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by the Spanish Catalan architect Pere Compte. Built for civil purposes, it is divided in three parts: The Contract Hall, The Pavilion of the Consulate, and the richly decorated upper floor. The elements of Gothic style are present throughout the building: from the decorated façade, where several gargoyles can be spotted, to the main hall with astonishing columns, all of which makes the Lonja de la Seda a milestone of Valencian Gothic architecture.

Placed in the district of Seu, in the heart of the old city, the Palacio de la Generalidad Valenciana was built during the 15th century. Currently hosting the headquarters of the self-governing institutions, which autonomously regulate the city of Valencia, this palace is also important thanks to its architectural and artistic values. The building is a mix of Valencian Gothic style, Herrerian and Renaissance styles, with a worth-a-visit back garden full of typical oranges trees.

Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral is probably the clearest and most important example of Valencian Gothic Architecture. Notwithstanding some elements of Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical art, the whole building astonishes for its Gothic characteristics. The western façade of the cathedral is notable for its decorated entrance and the beautiful rose window. The inside impresses for its majestic groin vaults, and the Holy Chalice chapel.

51-meters tall, El Miguelete is the bell tower of the adjacent Cathedral of Valencia. It stands tall over the old city with 206 steps to reach its top, in the form of an octagonal prism. Its structure and ornaments – the gothic decorations as well as the gargoyles statues at its corners – render El Miguelete a singular monument. However, what makes it different from usual bell towers, is the absence of a cover at its top as completion of the building. The construction of the upper part was indeed stopped in 1425, and aside from small changes, it was never completed.

The complex of Santa Catalina (Saint Katherine), with its church and bell tower, is situated in Plaça de Santa Caterina, not far from the Cathedral of Valencia. Easy to spot thanks to the tower, it stylistically blends a structural Valencian Gothic base with a baroque façade. Following popular legends, El Miguelete and the Tower of Santa Catalina are bound in marriage, respectively as husband and wife.