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Spain's
3rd largest city, after Madrid and Barcelona. The gay area is concentrated
around the old town, in the Barrio del Carmen. It's said to be a more liberal
city than Madrid and Barcelona. The ancient streets contain buildings dating
to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th
century, is primarily of gothic style but contains elements of baroque
and Romanesque architecture. Beside the Cathedral is the gothic Basilica
of the Virgin (Basílica De La Virgen De Los Desamparados). The 15th
century Serrano and Quart towers are part of what was once the wall surrounding
the city.
UNESCO
has recognised the Late Gothic silk exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) as a
World Heritage Site. The modernist Central Market (Mercado Central) is
one of the largest in Europe. The main railway station (Estación
Del Norte) is built in art deco style.
World-renowned
architect Santiago Calatrava produced the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
(Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), which contains a science museum,
IMAX cinema, and oceanographic park. Calatrava is also responsible for
the bridge named after him in the center of the city. The Music Palace
(Palau De La Música) is another good example of modern architecture
in Valencia. |
