Mercado Central
Mercado Central (Central Market) is one of the most important landmarks in Valencia. It is located in the heart of the city, at Plaça Ciutat de Bruges. The building that houses it is a true masterpiece of modernist architecture. Its construction began in 1914 and lasted until 1928.
The Central Market is a place where the city comes alive. You can find over 1200 stalls selling the freshest products, from fruits, vegetables, meat, to fish and seafood. This is where locals do their daily shopping, and tourists can try local delicacies and feel the true atmosphere of a Spanish market.
One of the most characteristic elements of the Mercado Central is its impressive steel-and-glass structure, crowned by a beautiful dome. The interior is bright and spacious, and the richly decorated architectural details make it one of the most beautiful places in Valencia.
Address: Plaça Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001 València, Spain.
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral, also known as “Seu”, is one of the most important places in the city. It is the seat of the diocese of Valencia. The church was consecrated in 1238 by the bishop of Valencia, Pere d’Albalata.
It was built on the site of a mosque, which in turn stood on the site of an old Gothic cathedral. The cathedral has Gothic architecture, in the Catalan-Mediterranean version, as well as elements of Romanesque, French Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
In the side chapel, to the right of the main entrance, is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice. According to Arthurian legends, this chalice was used by Jesus during the Last Supper. The chalice, which dates back to the 1st century, was donated to the cathedral by King Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436.
The address of Valencia Cathedral is: Pl. Almoina, s/n, 46003 Valencia, Spain.
Turia Gardens
Turia Gardens is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. It covers an area of about 110 hectares and is nine kilometers long. The park was created on the site of the former Turia riverbed, which was transformed into an urban park after a catastrophic flood in 1957.
Turia Gardens are divided into twelve parts, each with its own character. The first sections contain cross-country and cycling tracks, as well as other sports facilities, including an athletics track and a multi-purpose area, football, rugby, and baseball fields, and a roller skating rink. The remaining areas are occupied by more conventional gardens.
At one end of the park is the Bioparc, and at the other end is the underwater world in the Oceanarium. The park also features a giant Gulliver from Jonathan Swift’s novel, which is a 70-meter-long slide in the form of a lying Gulliver.
The address of Turia Gardens is: Antiguo cauce del Turia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
