Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), Valencia

Valencia’s elegant Town Hall stands proudly over the square that shares its name. Construction began in 1758, but the final version did not fully come together until the early 20th century. So, naturally, it decided not to pick just one style. The result is mostly Neoclassical, with confident splashes of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance — because when a building takes that long to finish, it may as well collect a few architectural accessories along the way...

Inside, the building also houses the Municipal History Museum, where Valencia keeps some of its most dramatic souvenirs. Among them is the sword traditionally linked to King Jaime the First, who conquered Valencia in 1238, along with the flag surrendered by the defeated Moors. You will also find the ceremonial keys to the city, once held by its medieval rulers, and a detailed map from 1704, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layout some three centuries ago.

The public rooms add their own dose of civic glamour, with chandeliers, marble, grand staircases, and the sort of polished interiors that make municipal business look even more important. And then there is the balcony, one of the building’s best-loved features. From here, you get a broad view over Town Hall Plaza — perfect for watching daily city life unfold, or catching one of Valencia’s parades and festivals when the whole square decides to become a stage.