The Lonja de la seda (Silk Market) in Valencia, also known as Lonja de los Mercaderes or Casa de Contratacion is one of the most emblematic Gothic buildings in Spain.  In fact, the Lonja is the masterpiece of the renowned architect Pere Compte who began its construction in the last quarter of the 15th century in order to cover the necessities of the silk business in the region . Moreover, the Lonja of the Silk was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Evidently, it is a must-see place.

Visiting La Lonja de Valencia

The Architectural ensemble in the finest late Gothic style has an outstanding main large Sala de Contratacion (contract hall) of three naves with 24 spiral columns of 18 meters in height every one; The Tower with its impressive winding stone staircase of 110 steps, on the first floor of this tower there was a prison and under this prison there was a Chapel; The Consulado where is the Sala Dorada (The Golden Room / Cambra Daurada) or the main hall with its beautiful techumbre (ceiling) of golden paintings from 14th century and the orange garden among others. The main facade of this Gothic building with its exceptional decoration, its stunning doorway and some of the finest windows can be seen at the Market square.

Nowadays, the Lonja is still been used for commercial activities in agricultural products. Besides, the cultural activities and exhibitions takes place in this remarkable building which is the seat of Cultural Academy of Valencia. Do not miss out on the Lonja de la Seda.

Situated in the heart of the casco historico (historic neighborhood) of Valencia, at the Market square the Lonja has its impressive main facade. The ticket to visit La Lonja costs between 1 and 2 euros, although on Sunday, on Saturday and bank-holidays are free. The best way of visiting the historic neighborhood of Valencia is on foot.

Other interesting buildings in the historic neighborhood of Valencia

The Cathedral , which was began in 1268 and finished in the 18 th century is another emblematic place, is a must see place and visitors should not miss out.

The imposing Mercado Central (The Main Large Market / Mercat Central), which was built between 1914 and 1928, in modernism style, is one of the largest market in Europe measuring more than 8000 square meters and with more than 900 market stalls. It is located at the Market square . It is worth visiting.

More places to visit in Valencia

– The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias): The City of Arts and Sciences consists in a wide zone in the center of Valencia, near the sea and the Port of Valencia, in where are located a lot of cultural and leisure buildings.

– The Turia garden (Jardín del Turia): The Turia Garden is a green park of more than 7,000 metres long being covered its more than 1,000,000 square metres with great variety of trees, plants ,flowers and fountains.

– The best monuments in Spain: Read here our post with the most visited monuments, museums and buildings in Spain.

Located in Valencia, The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is a complex of futuristic buildings in where visitors can discover one of the greatest aquariums of Europe, a science and technology museum, cinemas, a theater and many more cultural zones. It also has leisure areas with gardens, lakes and restaurants.

It was designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava and finished in 2002. The budget was initially of 600 million euros, but at the end it cost four times more, which generated a lot of polemic among the population because of its high cost. However, nowadays most people agree on considering the City of Arts and Sciences as the more important touristic attraction of Valencia, and one of the places that tourists must see when visiting Spain.

To arrive at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias you can take the bus (Lines 1, 13, 15 35, 47 and 95). Also you can go by metro (Line 5) to Ayora or Maritim Serreria Stations (15 minutes away on foot).

What to visit in City of Arts and Sciences?

The City of Arts and Sciences consists in a wide zone in the center of Valencia, near the sea and the Port of Valencia, in where are located the followings cultural and leisure buildings and structures:

– The Hemisferic (3-D IMAX cinema): Inside this impressive building, which is one of the main icons of the city, you will find the bigger cinema hall of Spain. Its exterior shape of its white structure surrounded by water represents a human eye.

– The Oceanográfic: The biggest aquarium of Europe with more than 10,000 square metres and which has around 45,000 living beings. It is composed by several separated zones in where are represented these environments: The Mediterranean sea, The tropical zones, Ocean Environments, Antarctic and Arctic, Islands and Humid regions. Moreover, it includes a dolphin area and a submarine restaurant.

– Museo de ciencias Príncipe Felipe (Sciences Museum): A science museum in where young and older people can discover the principles of the 21th century science and technology by touching and doing interactive experiments.

– Sophie Queen Arts Palace (Theater): The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía has four big theater halls dedicated to classical music, opera and theater plays. It also includes an additional zone for expositions.

– The Agora (Square-Pavilion): A Pavilion for events, as concerts or similar activities.

– The Umbracle (gardens): A view point from where the people can observe the whole complex of buildings. The Umbracle include gardens and paths to walk and discover regional plants, statues and sculptures.

More places to visit in Valencia

– The Turia Gardens: A public green park of more than 7,000 metres long with great variety of trees, plants ,flowers, herbs, grass, many fountains, several sports areas, some playgrounds, a lot of places to relax and rest, so on.

– The Silk Market: A must for visitors who arrive in Valencia is the Silk Market (la Lonja de la Seda). It’s a masterwork of the 15th century declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996.

Read also our post with the best monuments and buildings to visit in Spain.