Route through the Historic Centre

The Torres de los Serranos were built in the fourteenth century. Like those of Quart, they were preserved intact when the destruction of the Christian wall occurred in the nineteenth century, thanks to the use made of them as a prison. It is an emblematic monument of the city, from which the Call for the Fallas is usually made, the official beginning of the festival, with the presence of the main authorities. A must-see in our historic center that offers unique views of the city from its highest area.

Through Calle Náquera and Calle de los Sabateros we arrive in a couple of minutes to Plaza de San Lorenzo, place of our next stop. We admire the Benicarló Palace or Borgia Palace, from the fifteenth century, aristocratic mansion that mixes Valencian Gothic and Renaissance styles. Today it is the headquarters of the Valencian Courts.

In the Plaza de Manises, which is only three or four minutes from the previous one, and which we arrive bordering the Plaza de la Virgen, is the Palace of the Marquis of Scala, building of the sixteenth century. Even older is the Palace of Batlia, from the fifteenth century, which we find in the same square and serves as the headquarters for the Diputación de Valencia.

Very close to the east, at the junction with the neighboring and bustling Carrer de Cavallers, is our most significant administrative monument. The Palace of the Generalitat Valenciana, the seat of our autonomous government, is a Gothic building of the fifteenth century that also shows Renaissance reforms.

From this point we can already see the Plaza de la Virgen, the largest and most popular pedestrian square in Valencia, where the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados is located, from the seventeenth century.

This sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of the city was built on the Roman Forum of the city of Valencia. It is in this square where the famous Flower Offering to the Virgin is made during the Fallas. Without a doubt it can be a good place to regain strength in one of its attractive terraces before continuing to our next destination.

Next to Plaza de la Virgen is the Cathedral of Valencia, headquarters of the Arzobispado, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It was built in Valencian Gothic style and over the centuries were providing other elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Inside, we highlight the Chapel of the Holy Chalice and the collection of Italian Renaissance painting. Its main baroque entrance or Iron Gate overlooks the Plaza de la Reina. And to get to it we will pass under its bell tower of the Micalet, one of the most popular constructions in Valencia that can be visited by climbing its famous spiral staircase. Up there, 207 steps above the ground, wonderful views of the city await us.

Plaza de la Reina is one of the busiest places in Valencia, where seven adjacent streets converge. This square is located kilometre 0 of the radial roads of Valencia and is the reference according to which the buildings of the city are numbered. In addition, it stands out for its busy terraces, its bus stops, its underground parking and its lively social and commercial life. Probably the most photographed square in the city, thanks to the presence of the Micalet.

From Plaza de la Reina along Calle de la Barchilla we arrive at the Almoina Archaeological Centre. It is impressive to think that this museum is located on the ancient Roman square of Décimo Junio Bruto. It exhibits the remains of the archaeological excavations carried out in this place for two decades by the Valencia City Council: monuments, buildings and ancient architectural elements, coins, ceramic pieces, etc. An exciting journey through different stages of the city’s urban history.

Very close to there is the Almudí, an old wheat warehouse built in the fifteenth century that since 1996 hosts temporary art exhibitions. It had previously functioned as a Palaeontological Museum. It is a very beautiful Gothic building, located in an environment of great charm.

Another key tourist spot in Valencia is the Palace of the Marquis of Dosaigües, whose Rococo façade leaves most visitors speechless by its extraordinary artistic wealth. We reach this point walking through the streets of the historic center such as the Venerables and the Avellanes, parallel to the Cathedral and the Plaza de la Reina. In this way we reach the palace of Peace and in one of its adjacent streets we find this palace. Ceramics lovers will not miss the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics , located on the second floor.

Less than a minute, crossing Calle Poeta Querol, stands the Palace of the Boïl d’Arenós, on Calle Llibreters, whose construction began in the fourteenth century although its current appearance corresponds to the reform carried out in the eighteenth century. After its restoration in 1997 it became the headquarters of the Valencia Stock Exchange.

We take a walk from Calle Poeta Querol and enter the Carrer Barcelonina. In 5 minutes we arrive at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where we can admire its beautiful buildings, such as the Town Hall headquarters, the Post Office building, its beautiful circular fountain, the Rialto building (headquarters of the Film Library), etc. In the center of its esplanade are held the famous mascletás, impressive pyrotechnic shows, every year between March 1 and 19 at 2pm.

We leave the Plaza del Ayuntamiento by Calle María Cristina and in a few minutes we arrive at the Plaza del Mercado, another busy enclave that stands out for its rich heritage. The Silk Exchange is one of the most important buildings in Valencia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. From the street you can admire the medallions, sculptures and gargoyles that hang from its façade and, inside, its impressive and luxurious rooms. The construction of this monument symbolized the great splendour of Valencian trade in its Golden Age.

In this same square we find the Central Market, another icon for Valencians, built in the early twentieth century. It moves the beauty of its ceramics and stained glass, combined with wrought iron structures in a spectacular modernist complex. It is the largest area in Europe dedicated to the sale of fresh food products, a place through which thousands of people swarm daily among merchants, customers, tourists and curious onlookers. In the same square of the Market there are some terraces where we can have a drink or snack before continuing our route.

To get to Torres de Quart we can opt for a more direct path through Calle Murillo or enter a little in the Barrio del Carmen by Bolsería and Plaza del Tossal and then turn left into Calle Quart. If there is time, we recommend this second option because it is much more attractive. It is another of those typical monuments of Valencia, built in the fifteenth century, one of the two gates (with that of the Serranos) that are preserved from the medieval wall. From the other sidewalk of Guillem de Castro Street you can see the traces of the projectiles that the French army left on its façade during the War of Independence.