Pineda Palace, Valencia

The Pineda Palace, also known as the Palace of Mayor Pineda, is an impressive neoclassical structure located in Valencia. It was originally built as the residence of Mayor Francisco Salvador de Pineda, lending it its current name.

The palace was constructed between 1728 and 1733. In 1902, the "Padres Maristas" occupied the palace, and in 1918, it was purchased by the "Congregation of Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Holy Angels." It served as a convent, residence, and temporary home for up to 60 women. The palace survived the Spanish Civil War but was damaged in the 1957 flood. In 1980, the Generalitat Valenciana acquired and restored the palace from 1990 to 1992.

The palace has a neoclassical façade with two brick balconies. It's symmetrical, with small towers by the entrance. The Pineda coat of arms is displayed above the entrance, with a damaged but visible date of 1732, believed to be the building's foundation year. The shield also has an inscription in the Filacteria, indicating the charge and the holder's name.

The building is roughly rectangular, measuring about 23 by 34 meters. It has a central hallway, mezzanine level, two main floors, and an attic. A rear garden now serves as the cafeteria terrace. The palace has undergone renovations to adapt interior walls for education and add a turret to the rear facade. The exterior garden features a sculpture by Joan de Joanes.

The Pineda Palace currently houses classrooms and meeting rooms used by the Generalitat Valenciana, organizations, and educational/governmental institutions. It serves as the headquarters for the Menendez Pelayo International University and the Valencian Institute of Public Administration.