Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is known for its beaches, year-round mild climate, world-famous oranges, and paella, the national dish of Spain that originated in the city. However, Valencia offers much more for visitors, including a rich history and culture, important religious sites, and modern tourist attractions that every itinerary should include.
“Valencia is a beautiful city with many historical highlights, a beautifully restored downtown, and contemporary buildings designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava,” says Ignacio Grijalvo of Across Spain DMC & Leisure Travel.
History of the city
Valencia was founded in 138 B.C. by the Romans and became part of the Moor’s Arab empire in the 11th century, remaining under Arab rule until 1238. Because of the Moors, Valencia became an important stop on La Ruta de Seda, or The Silk Road, an important trade route related to the buying and selling of silk and other materials required by Moorish royalty.
Today groups can visit the Silk Exchange, a 15th-century building that once housed the bustling market. The Arabic architecture of this building is evident, with its enclosed interior patio housing a fountain and orange grove, interior doorways typical of the Arabic style, and 24 immense, twisted columns in the main market room that rise 50 feet to the ceiling, culminating in Arabic-style arches that mimic palm trees.
Another historical building of significance is the National Ceramics Museum, which is housed in a building that offers one of the world’s best examples of Baroque architecture. Make sure to see the post office and the city hall as well, as these buildings are also stunning in their architectural style.
Religious sites
For the faith traveler, Valencia is a must-see location. First, Valencia Cathedral is a complicated and impressive structure that boasts different architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Originally the site of a Moorish mosque that was later destroyed by Christians, the main cathedral was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style. Additions to the cathedral continued over the next century and were accordingly built in the different styles of those times.
The most significant site within the cathedral is the small chapel that houses what many believe to be the Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Visitors can view the ornate gold and bejeweled cup above the altar in a lighted glass case. Although two other sites also claim to have the Holy Grail, Valencia’s cup has been verified as authentic by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. These two popes have used the cup while leading mass in recent times.
Another important religious site in Valencia is the Church of Saint Nicholas. This Baroque church, although much smaller than the cathedral, has bragging rights of its own as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. The entire ceiling of the church is covered with detailed paintings that depict significant events in the life of Saint Nicholas—and it’s a lot to process on a first visit. Consider taking a tour (with a tour guide or headphones) plus allow extra time or a second visit just to sit and observe the detailed artwork.
An important religious site recommended by Grijalvo is the Basilica of the Forsaken, located next to the cathedral. “Locals celebrate the Virgen de los Desamparados on the second and third Sundays in May, when they bring flowers to the church to celebrate her.”
Groups may also want to visit the Monastery of Santa María in El Puig, located 20 kilometers north of Valencia, which includes a 13th-century Gothic church and a 16th-century monastery constructed in the Renaissance style. Guided tours are available in Spanish, English, and Valencian.
Other attractions and tour options
Valencia is known for its beautiful beaches, so you will want to spend some of your sunny days there. But once you’ve had your fill of sand and sea, try some of the tour options recommended by Grijalvo. “We recommend at least three days for optimal touring of Valencia,” he says. Across Spain offers several tour options to match the interests of any group:
Medieval Valencia tour
This tour can be a walking or bike tour and includes visits to the Central Market, the Silk Exchange Building, the Cathedral, the National Ceramic Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, the Fallas Museum, Malvarrosa Beach, and the City of Arts and Sciences.
City of Arts and Sciences tour
Built in 1996 and designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, this signature attraction includes an opera house, an IMAX theater, a science museum, an aquarium, and plenty of gardens and open areas for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
Albufera Natural Park tour
Groups enjoy a sailing trip and a seafood meal.
Requena Wine district tour
This tour take participants 60 kilometers west of Valencia, and it includes a visit to wine country famous for the production of high-quality red, white, and sparkling wines.
Archaeological tour
Visit Sagunto to examine archaeological remains from Roman times.
Farm and Food tour
Take a half-day tour to a local farm and learn how to cook paella and other delicious local meals.
For more information about tour packages to Valencia, contact Ignacio Grijalvo of Across Spain DMC & Leisure Travel or visit across-spain.es.
Top photo: Valencia Cathedral
Photos by Kay Saffari
