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Strolling El Mercat of Valencia, Valencia
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Strolling El Mercat of Valencia
Guide Location: Spain » Valencia
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 1 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 1.9 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Pelayo2
Author: kane
El Mercat is a street market that provides a glimpse of the life of old Valencia. It is a place where the city’s tradition and heritage carries into the new millennium.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Iglesia de San Lorenzo
1) Iglesia de San Lorenzo
Currently used by Franciscan monks, the Church of St. Lorenzo was built around 1278. In the past it was a Muslim mosque and during the Spanish Civil War it served as a warehouse. The church has incorporated different architectural styles over the centuries and has been preserved well throughout the years.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and CRESPO-AZORIN
Palacio de Benicarlo
2) Palacio de Benicarlo
Located in the San Lorenzo plaza, this building is now the official seat of government for the region of Spain known as “Valencia.” The Parliament meets here regularly.

The building is very old, dating back to the 15th Century. For the most part, the architectural style of the building is Gothic. To the trained eye, one can find other styles that have crept in to the façade of the place though. There is a beautiful garden on the grounds also, though it is not open to the general public.

The Palacio de Benicarlo was originally a palace for the elite of Valencia. It was the home of the Borja family for years. Later on, it became the abode for other royalty. Namely, the various people who held the title of “Duke of Gandia” lived in this residence. It was built on the top of a structure that used to be an art and grammar institution.

You can visit this lovely location Monday through Friday of each week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It is closed on the weekend. Further, you will need to call in advance to get reservations.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Martorell
Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
3) Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken is a church of a rare and special beauty. Differing from the common high-vaulted construction, the atmosphere of this modestly-sized church, marvelously decorated inside and out, makes visitors feel as though they are in heaven.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and puroticorico
Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital
4) Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital
This is one of the oldest churches in Valencia. With land donated by King Jaime I, this edifice was erected around 1261. In addition to its impressive age, this church also contains beautiful mural paintings and ornate decorations typical of the early Baroque style.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Un valencià
Plaza de la Reina
5) Plaza de la Reina
This famous plaza is one of the biggest tourist attractions in town. It is also one of the best places to go to get a real feel for the culture and food of Spain. In fact, you may want to find yourself a seat on one of the benches in the area and just watch the world go by for a bit.

On one end of the plaza is the Cathedral, which is a very famous house of worship in the city. If legend is correct, the church is also home to the famous Holy Grail of Arthurian stories. This location also gives the visitor one of the best views of the famous bell tower, the Miquelet.

If you have time, you might want to consider taking a carriage ride from here, which can take you to some of the best spots in the old city. In many respects, the Plaza de la Reina is the gateway to that part of town. You may also want to visit the Horchateria de Santa Catalina, which is a famous restaurant that has been in operation for over two hundred years. There are also many outdoor cafes to choose from.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Espencat
Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina
6) Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina
The Santa Catalina Church and Tower was built in the early years of the 18th century. According to popular legend, the two towers are considered husband and wife. They have a delicate appearance and are rich in adornments. The church’s design is strongly influenced by the Baroque style and is a magnificent and impressive sight to behold.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Felivet
Casa Francisco Ordeig
7) Casa Francisco Ordeig
Casa Ordeig is famous for its rich ornaments. Built in the beginning of the last century, it has managed to survive all the wars throughout the years. It is an interesting piece of Valencian architecture, a blend of styles found nowhere else.
Mercado Central - The Central Market
8) Mercado Central - The Central Market
The Central Market of Valencia is a very busy place. It is a hub for the city, and a spot to really get to experience the local culture. You will find the location jammed full of small stands that are each run by different vendors. Most of the foods are prepared by local people, and brought to this place for sale.

The location is famous for the meat that is sold here. Some of the freshest fish can be purchased here also. Add some local fruit and some bakery goods, and you can have yourself quite a meal. If you want to try something really exotic, try the jamon, which is a local favorite.

The building is done in a Modernist style, and was opened in 1928. The space covers over 8000 square meters, which is spread over two floors. The roof of the building is also quite stylish in design, making use of domes and slanting roofs. In spots along this roof, light can enter the building to add an accent to the architecture. The windows are also colored for effect.

The Central Market is open Monday through Saturday all year. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The building is closed on Sunday.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Felivet
Llotja de la Seda
9) Llotja de la Seda
This building is a symbol of the wealth and power of Valencia's past as a great Mediterranean trade city. Built between 1482 and 1548, Llotja was an important center of commerce and the most popular among merchants of the era.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Carquinyol
Palace of the Alpuente Counts
10) Palace of the Alpuente Counts
Palacio de Alpuente, or the Palace of the Alpuente Counts, is a traditional ancestral home. The Alpuente Counts were one of the most prominent families of the Valencian nobility. The palace itself has Gothic origins with a characteristically Baroque facade.
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