Most Beautiful Buildings In Valencia

Valencia is packed with gorgeous architecture from all periods, influenced by everyone from the Moors to the Romans. A walk around the city’s Old Town is a feast for the eyes, but there’s plenty of amazing architecture elsewhere in the city, too. Here’s our guide to the Valencia’s most spectacular buildings.

La Lonja de la Seda

You really can’t miss this one, but luckily it’s right in the center of town. This gorgeous medieval silk market was built as a display of Valencia’s wealth at the time, and now it’s famous as being one of the few examples of non-religious Gothic architecture in Europe. It’s actually one of the most important buildings in the city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A look inside is time (and a couple of euros) well spent. The interior is designed to represent paradise, with its soaring columns symbolizing palm trees reaching for the sky – or roof – originally painted blue but now scrubbed clean. Less pleasant but equally fascinating are the stone gargoyles perched all over the building’s exterior.

La Lonja de la Seda, Carrer de la Llotja, 2, Valencia, Spain, +34 962 08 41 53

Colón Market

Bazaar, Market

Fans of the Modernist style will like this National Monument in the city center, designed by Valencian architect Francisco Mora Berenguer and completed in 1916. It was originally a market for fresh produce, but now the market stalls are long gone. Instead the space has been renovated and now contains several chic cafés, a flower stall and, sometimes, a stage for live music and other events. Downstairs you’ll find an upscale foodie shop selling fancy charcuterie, cheeses, wine, and oils.

City of Arts and Sciences

Building, Cinema, Museum, Opera House, Aquarium, Concert Hall, Architectural Landmark

As well as architecture from various periods in history, Valencia is also home to the ultramodern. The work of architect Santiago Calatrava may not be to everyone’s taste, but whatever you think of his style, this complex of futuristic buildings is a must-see during any visit to Valencia. Stroll through the green gardens and choose your favorite of the buildings; if there’s time, explore inside and you’ll find everything from interactive science exhibits to a huge aquarium and a world-class concert hall.

Estacion Del Nord

Train Station

As the main train station for the city, this might be the first building you see when you arrive in Valencia. It was declared a Historical Artistic Monument in 1961. It was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, and walking into the entrance hall today feels like stepping back in time. Take a look inside the shops at the side of the entrance hall to admire the impressive original-tiled walls.

The Post Office

You might not expect the place you buy stamps from to be quite this fancy. The main post office building is actually a palace, and it looks the part. With its impressive dome and grand interior, this could be the most elaborate post office you’ll ever visit. And it’s still being used for its original purpose today. The palace was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia at the beginning of the 20th century and was completed in 1923.

Oficina Central de Correos de Valencia © Karman85/Wikimedia Commons

Central Market

Building, Market

Across the road from La Lonja de la Seda you’ll see the huge 1920s’ Central Market. The building itself is interesting because of its grand dome and traditional Valencian ceramic tiles, but a look inside is a must for any foodie and one of the top food experiences in Valencia. This market, said to be one of Europe’s oldest, boasts around a thousand stalls piled high with oranges, cheese, jamón and fresh seafood. It’s packed each day with mostly local shoppers picking up their fresh produce.

Palacio del Marqués de dos Aguas

Building, Museum

Another of Valencia’s 15th century treasures (although it was renovated in the 18th century) this lavish palace was originally home to a local aristocratic family. Today it houses the National Museum of Ceramics, with its incredible artifacts telling the story of Valencia’s history and customs. The exterior of the building itself is worth a look, decorated with incredible marble textures and pastel colors.

About the author

Clare Speak

Writer

Clare Speak is a travel journalist from Manchester, England who has been living out of a suitcase for the past decade. She currently writes about all things Spanish from her base in Valencia.