The ancient Spanish city is famous all over the world for its sights. Of course, it would be nice to be here for a long time, but a lot can be done in a short time. What to see in Valencia in one day? We offer an interesting route around the city.

Museum of Fine Arts

It is this museum that offers to admire the richest collection of paintings in the country. It is located in the park, where the Turia River used to flow, in an old college building. During the years of the civil war, a hospital was located here, later the building itself and the church adjacent to it were transferred to the museum, which was headed by Gonzalez Marti, a man who did a lot for the development of cultural institutions in Valencia.

In the museum you can see works of art from various eras – from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century: paintings, sculptures and much more. Particularly valuable exhibits are the works of El Greco, Velasquez, Goya, Piranesi. You can also admire the iconostasis, made in the Gothic style, and works of folk art.

Government Palace (Generalidad)

A very beautiful palace, the construction of which began in the 15th century, was originally intended for the deputies of the kingdom of Valencia – their meetings were to be held here. Today it is the seat of the provincial government. During the long years of its existence, the palace was repeatedly reconstructed. Of course, it was expanded, first the eastern and then the western towers were added. Now it is open to tourists. The architecture of the palace is a mixture of several styles – Gothic, Classicism, Renaissance, Herreresco.

Tourists are greatly impressed by the Royal Hall, where you can see portraits of the rulers of Valencia, the old chapel and the Golden Hall, which got its name from the luxuriously finished ceiling. Also in the palace you can admire paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Next to the palace is Peanut Square, where a monument is erected to the famous traveler Francisco Pizarro, who also became famous for conquering the lands of the Incas.

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Plaza de Toros bullring

One of the largest bullfighting arenas in the country, and also an old one. At the same time, about 14 thousand spectators can watch bulls and matadors here. The construction of the arena began in the 18th century, and various improvements were made over the course of another 120 years. Now it is a beautiful building, made in the Baroque style, decorated in white and gold tones, with numerous enfilades. Of course, not everyone is attracted by the rather harsh spectacle when a man and a huge ferocious animal appear in the arena. But in any case, it is worth visiting the Plaza de Toros.

It seems that this place symbolizes the old Valencia. Here you can not only look at bullfighting, but also just go on excursions, visit the thematic museum, where photographs, costumes are exhibited in 4 rooms, there is even a raincoat painted by Picasso himself. A ticket for the tour costs 7 euros for adults and 3 for small tourists.

Serranos towers

To see the towers and gates of Serranos, you need to go to the northern part of the city. Once there were gates built by the ancient Romans. At the end of the 14th century, local residents erected new ones. If you climb any of the ancient towers, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Valencia. They no longer perform defensive functions, as they once did. For a while, solemn ceremonies were held here.

In addition, noble prisoners were kept inside the towers in special cells. In 1936, the most valuable works of art from Madrid were brought here so that powerful walls and a concrete floor would protect them from the effects of the bombing. On weekends and holidays, the towers can be visited for free. The rest of the time the entrance costs 2 euros.

Gate of Serranos

They were built at the end of the 14th century by the architect Pere Balaguer from gray limestone. These gates were the main entrance to the city, and the population was immediately acquainted with the decrees of the king. The gates also performed a defensive function, as they were part of the fortress wall that surrounded the city. After a fire that occurred at the end of the 16th century, prison cells were built in the local towers. As a result, when the need for the fortress wall disappeared, it was demolished, but the tower and the gate survived.

During the civil war, a bunker was set up in the dungeon under the towers, where they stored works of art. Now the gate is again the main entrance to the city, and numerous festive events are held here. The towers house the Maritime Museum, whose exhibits tell about the history of the Royal Navy. Tourists can also climb the observation decks and take pictures of Valencia from there.

Biopark

People come here from all over the country to see amazing animals. The biopark has 3 thematic zones: “Savannah”, “Equatorial Africa” and “Madagascar“. The ministers treat animals very carefully – tourists are even forbidden to shoot them with cameras with a flash so as not to scare them. And they keep here lions and white rhinos, giraffes and zebras, hippos and elephants, as well as many other representatives of the fauna – in conditions as close to natural as possible. Therefore, guests of the park cannot feed the animals – they must receive the same food as in the natural environment.

An impressive “Baobab Forest” was created from artificial trees. Children especially like funny lemurs, whose homeland is Madagascar. They are very sociable and friendly, reaching out to meet tourists, examine their things in search of something tasty. A ticket for adults costs 23.8 euros, discounts are provided for children and pensioners.

Cathedral

This is the main church of the city, built in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. It is also called the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. It was erected in the 13th-15th centuries and is a harmonious combination of several styles – Romanesque, Gothic, neoclassical, baroque … The cathedral is famous, first of all, for the fact that the Holy Grail was discovered here, the very existence of which for a long time seemed like a legend. This is the same cup from which Jesus Christ drank during the last supper.

It is difficult to find a shrine in Christianity. equal to this one. A visit to the cathedral is included in the program of almost all sightseeing tours of the city. The shape of the church is cruciform, its length almost reaches 100 m, inside the cathedral is decorated with murals of the 15th century, made by both local painters and artists invited from Italy. During the civil war, the cathedral was damaged by fire, later it had to be restored.

Queen's Square

This is a very popular place with tourists. There is a square next to the cathedral, and it is from here that you can appreciate the beauty of the famous bell tower of Mikalet. People flock here to buy souvenirs and flowers, sit in a small square, in the very “heart” of Valencia. It is from Queen's Square that you can go on excursions. To the services of the guests of the city here – a variety of means of transport. Starting with horse-drawn carriages imitating old carriages, and ending with comfortable air-conditioned tourist buses.

Silk Exchange of Lonja de la Seda

Once upon a time, the most important business for the inhabitants of Valencia was the production of silk and its sale. Noble ladies from all over Europe wanted to wear Valencian silks. In the second half of the 15th century, the Silk Exchange was built in the city, and in the 18th century this industry reached its peak. Suffice it to say that about 300 silk craftsmen worked in Valencia, and in total up to 25 thousand citizens were involved in the business. The four stock exchange buildings were built in the Gothic and Renaissance styles.

This is a prison where bankrupt merchants were placed, and thieves caught stealing silk; the hall where the meetings of the Maritime Consulate were held; Hall of Columns, as well as the Orange Courtyard. The most important hall of the exchange was finished like a garden of Eden, because it was believed that there is a temple of trade. Today, the stock exchange buildings have been turned into a museum, they can be viewed by everyone. On weekends and holidays, admission is free, on other days you need to pay 2 euros for a ticket.

City Hall

City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It consists of 2 combined buildings, one of them was built in the 18th century, the other – in the 20th. In an older building (once it was a college for poor girls), the mayor's office was transferred in the middle of the 19th century, and subsequently the building was reconstructed and expanded. The facade of the city hall is crowned with a clock tower, there is also a beautiful balcony. From here, during ceremonial events, representatives of power structures turn to the townspeople. There is something to see inside. An Italian marble staircase leads to the upper floors.

One of the most beautiful rooms is the Crystal Hall. Light penetrates here through the stained-glass windows, and the hall is also illuminated by huge chandeliers made of Bohemian crystal. The walls are decorated with arches and marble figures. The Semicircular Assembly Hall, with its granite columns and bronze appliqués, also makes an impression. Also in the Town Hall building is the Historical Museum, which contains documents and other materials related to the most important events in the history of the city. Here you can get acquainted with the old plans of Valencia, see the banner of the 13th century, look at the portraits and busts of kings, furniture of past centuries.

Tourists can visit the city hall from Monday to Friday, the entrance to the building is free. Of course, the inspection of the Assembly Hall will have to be postponed if there are any meetings going on there.

Gate Kuart

The Kuart gate was also part of the fortress wall. Under the guidance of the architect Pere Bonfil, they were built in the middle of the 15th century. The twin towers are made in the Gothic style and are reminiscent of similar buildings in Naples. At different times they had different purposes, at one time they were even a women's prison.

The towers and gates survived numerous wars, however, traces of shells remained on their walls. But tourists like to take pictures of these potholes too – after all, birds nest here, even elegant parrots. You can visit the historical site every day except Monday. The ticket price is 2 euros, on weekends and holidays the entrance is free.

Palace of the Marquises of Dos Aguas

This palace gained fame, firstly, because of its luxuriously decorated facade, and secondly, because now the Museum of Ceramics is located here. The building was built in the 15th century for a noble Valencian family, but initially everything here looked much more modest. The inner courtyard, 3 buildings and a battlement tower – that's the whole palace. In the middle of 18 the complex was rebuilt. Now it was intended to emphasize the high origin and great wealth of the Marquis of Dos Aguas.

New towers appeared, a portal made in the Rococo style, numerous sculptures of symbolic significance. After another 100 years, the new owner, who inherited the title of Marquis of Dos Aguas, ordered the interior of the palace to be refinished. Now here you could Italian, French and Chinese motifs. In the second half of the 20th century, a new wing was built. Since 1949, the palace has belonged to the state, and now the Museum of Ceramics and Luxury Goods is open here.

In addition to historical information, here you can get a visual representation of the city's traditions. In addition, archaeological finds are stored here, as well as several works by Picasso. Tourists also admire the collection of old carriages. The ticket costs 3 euros, children go for free.

Albufera Natural Park

This is a real paradise for birds. This is one of the largest theme parks in the Mediterranean. Albufera belongs to protected natural areas, but tourists are also allowed here. The park has trails that guests can walk along, climb to the observation platforms. A permanent exhibition has also been organized. But you cannot enter the protected area. Mostly birds live in the park, including waterfowl. Here you can see ducks, cranes, herons, storks.

It is especially pleasant that you can visit the park for free – you just need to get a pass. You can walk along the paths on your own, but it's better to book a tour with a guide. So, in a short time you will be able to see a large number of birds and hear a detailed story about them. Also, the guide will take you to a village lost in the depths of the forests, which has a bright national flavor. Here you can relax and have a snack. This walk is especially pleasant on hot days.

In addition, those who want to get a closer look at waterfowl, as well as take great photos, can rent a boat. Especially beautiful pictures are obtained at dawn and at sunset, when the solar disk is low above the water surface.

Turia Gardens Park

In Valencia, as in all of Spain, there is an unusual design solution – the mouths of dried up rivers become walking areas. The Turia River was recognized as dangerous for the city, as it periodically caused floods that threatened buildings. And, in the end, its channel was taken beyond the boundaries of the settlement. In the same place where river waters used to flow, a green complex was laid, which occupies about 100 hectares of fertile land. Of course, there is not one park, but several. Moreover, the climate in Spain is so hot that it was possible to make a real tropical corner here.

Baobabs grow, zebras and lions walk, hippos bask in the sun. You can spend a whole day at this place. The length of the route from end to end of the Turia Gardens is 9 km, and along the way you will meet fountains, a lake where pleasure boats, playgrounds for small tourists, and attractions will be waiting for you. The 70-meter figure of the reclining Gulliver will also amaze the kids. For those who want to explore the Turia Gardens in a shorter time, bicycles can be rented. Beautiful photographs are taken on ancient bridges – great views open from here, just like from the Ferris wheel.

Transport in the Gardens moves only along bridges, so even very young children can safely walk around the rest of the territory. And flora lovers will be happy to visit the Botanical Garden. Here you can see all the diversity of the flora of the Mediterranean.

City of Arts and Sciences

This place is located next to the Turia Gardens, and is the pride of the country. Perhaps this is one of the largest Spanish projects in recent years. It is an entertainment and educational center. And in the ancient city, which is Valencia, it seems like a real guest from the future. If you have time, you can visit all 5 buildings of the city. One of them houses the Opera House and the Museum of Arts, the other the Planetarium, the Laser Theater and the cinema, the third one has a garden and gallery, the fourth one has the Science Museum, and the fifth one has the Oceanarium.

If you wish, you can even swim next to the outlandish sea creatures. Everywhere you will meet the technologies of the future. It is especially recommended to bring the younger generation here in order to arouse their interest in various spheres of human activity. It has been repeatedly observed that the guys, after visiting the city, reconsider their attitude to study and begin to bring good grades from school.

In addition to those described, there are many more attractions in Valencia. So it is advisable to come here at least for 3-4 days, or even for a week. But even in a short time you can do a lot, especially if you use the services of a guide and rent a car. It should also be remembered that the weather in Spain is warm almost all year round, and it is better to inspect monuments, parks and squares in the “low” season, not in the summer heat. In this case, you can significantly save on accommodation in hotels. Valencia is truly amazing, and it is waiting for you.