(content by John C)
Many people come to this oldest settlement in Spain not just to relax. Undoubtedly, tourists are attracted by the temperate climate, sandy beaches and warm sea. But much more interesting in Valencia are the architectural monuments that take visitors deeper into history. After all, the Romans founded this city back in the 2nd century BC. To begin exploring comfortably right after arrival, it’s a great idea to book a transfer from Valencia Airport. This convenient service ensures a direct and stress-free ride to your hotel or any destination in the city. With fixed prices, professional drivers, and no need to wait in taxi lines or navigate public transport, it’s the perfect choice for travelers who value time, safety, and comfort from the first minutes of their trip.
Historical buildings
Numerous streams of tourists are attracted by a small chapel built in the Visigothic style – the Crypt of St. Vicente. This is the oldest building in Valencia. During Vicente’s lifetime, in the 4th century, the crypt was used as a prison for him. Now here is the tomb of the saint. And numerous tourists who come here are offered to watch a short video about the life and death of Vicente, as well as about the history of Valencia itself.
Not far from the Crypt is the medieval cathedral of La Seo. It was built by Catholics in the 15th century in Baroque style. The interiors of the cathedral are very rich, as is its appearance. From the south and north the cathedral is decorated with gates decorated with unique sculptures. La Seo Cathedral contains unique cultural treasures inside – a collection of paintings by Palomino, several paintings by Goya. The main chapel houses ancient frescoes by Fernando de Llanos, who was a student and follower of Leonardo da Vinci.
Tourists are invited to explore the city from a 68-meter height by climbing the bell tower of Torre del Miguelete. This octagonal tower today serves as an observation deck for all admirers of the history and architecture of ancient Valencia.
Since the end of the 14th century, the Torres de Serrano Gate has served as a defensive function for the city. These are two high connected symmetrical towers. You could enter the city through a small arch. Today the gate stands on its own. Inside one of the towers there is a Maritime Museum, which displays the finds of underwater archaeologists.
Museums of Valencia
You can get acquainted with the history of Valencia and its culture by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts. Its building was built in the 17th century and once served as an educational institution for the Catholic clergy. Today, the halls of the museum house various archaeological finds, antique furniture and household items. Most of the exhibition is occupied by objects telling about the lives of outstanding Spanish artists – Velazquez, El Greco, Goya. In addition to Spanish masterpieces, the museum contains paintings by Italian painters and the outstanding Dutch artist I. Bosch.
Sculpture lovers enjoy visiting the Royal Gardens in Valencia. This is an open-air museum that has collected numerous monuments and sculptural compositions. The trade pavilions of the International Fair, which takes place in Valencia every July, are also located here.
One of the ancient buildings in Valencia today houses the National Museum of Ceramics. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by an alabaster composition with the figure of the Madonna in the center. The museum houses a collection of ceramics consisting of more than 5 thousand pieces. These include household items and jewelry brought from different countries, including China, Japan, and Greece. Also interesting are the exhibits, the author of which is Pablo Picasso.
An unusual building with a glass facade, supported by five columns, is the Science Museum, which today bears the name of Prince Felipe. The main visitors to the museum are children, but its exhibitions will be no less interesting for people of different ages. Modern interactive exhibitions detail the development of science and technology.
Valencia is also home to the largest Oceanographic Center in Europe. It contains representatives of flora and fauna from different parts of the world. Each individual building of the center houses a separate ecosystem; all pools and aquariums are filled with seawater. At the dolphinarium you can attend a unique show. If you’re planning to explore not only this fascinating attraction but also other must-see places in and around Valencia within a short timeframe, it’s worth using Kiwitaxi.com. This service offers private transfers with professional drivers, fixed rates without hidden fees, and the ability to create your own route. With Kiwitaxi.com, you can move between destinations comfortably and efficiently, without the hassle of navigating public transport or searching for taxis—perfect for making the most of your time in the city.
Falyance – festival of fire
Undoubtedly, the hallmark of Valencia is the annual Fallance Fire Festival, which is held in the spring. This is a colorful festival, during which music plays on the streets of the city, parades take place, and bullfights are held. A mandatory attribute of the holiday are giant Ninot papier-mâché dolls, the height of which can reach 20 meters. flowers, lights and huge papier-mâché sculptures called Ninot. In some dolls you can recognize famous contemporaries – politicians, musicians or movie characters. Initially, the dolls exposed human vices, so every year on St. Joseph’s Day, Ninot was burned in honor of the victory over weaknesses and vices. One doll that received the most sympathy was “pardoned.” Today, Fallance is a beautiful pyrotechnic show that annually attracts thousands of tourists to Valencia.
