Valencia

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Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Valencia is a great city. It’s very old, founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, Valencia has grown into Spain’s third largest city with a metropolitan area population of around 2.3 million.

Although it doesn’t feel like a huge place. The historic center has a very small city vibe with wide boulevards linked together by small streets and pedestrian passageways filled with traditional cafes, tabernas and specialty shops. A lot of the sidewalks in the city center are marble and, boy howdy, they feel good under foot.

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City Hall and Plaza del Ayuntamiento

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City Hall

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Plaza de la Riena and the Miguelete, the Cathedral Bell Tower.

Tower

Santa Catalina

Street Band

Street Band

Balconies

Even the underside of the balconies are tiled.

Valencia14 ValenciaSq Valencia22 Valencia21HorchateriaAt the end of the 15th century the Silk Exchange (Llotja de la Seda) or La Lonja was erected as the city became a commercial emporium that attracted merchants from all over Europe.

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La Lonja

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La Lonja’s vaulted ceiling.

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La Lonja’s guilded ceiling.

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La Lonja’s gothic windows.

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La Lonja

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La Lonja’s courtyard

Estacion del Norte is the city’s main train station. Fast, easy and filled with some great tile work.

Estacion del Norte

Estacion del Norte

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Estacion del Norte

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Estacion del Norte

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Estacion del Norte

Plaza Redonda is a lovely circular market traditionally used to sell lace, fabric and millinery goods.

Plaza Redonda

Plaza Redonda

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Plaza Redonda

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Plaza Redonda

Just a few loose ends.

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This translates to “particular pitch”?

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Filiberto Leon’s Watches

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Main Post Office Mail Slots

Valencia21Valencia8 Valencia3And finally, this is Manolo Montoliu standing proudly outside the Plaza de Toros, Valencia’s Bullring.

Manolo Montoliu

Manolo Montoliu

Manolo was a bullfighter and flagman who was killed on May 1, 1992 by the bull Cabatisto in the bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Seville. You know what they say about messing with the bull… See for yourself.

Bullfighting is still very popular in Spain and people line up here to purchase tickets for upcoming spectacles.

 

 

3 thoughts on “Valencia

  1. jeanette

    I had no idea Valencia was that big. The architecture is spectacular – so much eye candy. I love old train stations (are there new train stations?) so I’m pleased you shared one. Great ceilings, one must always remember to look up! No comment on the bullfighting.

    Reply
  2. Dian Melius Zook

    Great way to visit Valencia without leaving home. Really wasn’t on my radar before–but it is now. Lovely city. Amazing architecture. Dian

    Reply

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