Valencia: 2,000 years of design and avant-garde
From Roman sobriety to Calatrava's futurism. Explore a city where stone, iron, and concrete tell stories of glory, innovation, and boundless creativity.
An open-air museum
Valencia cannot be explained without its architecture. Walking through its streets is like jumping from the civil Gothic of the Silk Exchange (Lonja) to the modernist colors of the Central Market, or getting lost in the white curves of the City of Arts and Sciences. Thanks to initiatives like Open House Valencia, the city's design opens up for you to discover its best-kept secrets.
Open House Valencia routes
Explore the essence of Valencia on foot through four thematic routes: from Gothic gems to pure brutalism and the modernity of the Marina.
Route 1: The 10 Essentials
If you are short on time, this selection is a must. From the l’Almoina archaeological site to the majesty of the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda), you will journey through centuries of art. Don't miss modern landmarks like the Veles e Vents building or visual surprises like the Jewish House (Casa Judía), an Art Deco fantasy that seems transported from ancient Egypt to the heart of Valencia.
Route 2: Innovation in the Marina
The old dock is now a hub of design. Here, the historic tiled Sheds (Tinglados) and the Clock Building coexist with the most cutting-edge architecture. The crown jewel is David Chipperfield’s Veles e Vents, a play of white cantilevers over the sea. Take the opportunity to eat on its terraces and enjoy the best views of the coast.
Route 3: Brutalism and Modernity
For lovers of pure forms, this route through the university area is fascinating. Discover the power of brutalism in the faculties of Blasco Ibáñez or the iconic German School. Special mention goes to Espai Verd, a pioneering ecological architecture project where vegetation embraces concrete in a structure that is unique in the world.
Route 4: Goerlich’s legacy
Javier Goerlich was the architect who gave Valencia its air of a great European capital. His hand is in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the monumental Avenida del Oeste. Stroll among rationalist and Art Deco buildings like the Gras-Bianqui or the Banco Vitalicio, looking up to discover exotic details and domes that define the classic Valencian skyline.
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Valencia, your next getaway
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