Valencia is a striking, captivating and unforgettable city, which transmits a world of sensations and should be visited slowly. Take your time, stop at one of the many terraces and gardens, and relax in this superb setting.
The best way to visit the monuments is by strolling through its streets, coming across its hidden secrets. The old city is especially charming, almost magical. Sitting in the Plaza de la Virgen, one can enjoy the doves flying around the Basilica, the Cathedral, and the Miguelete. This tower rises high above the city, and grants a fantastic view to those willing to climb the two hundred and seven steps of its spiral staircase.
Although Valencia's religious architecture is quite remarkable, it is the Lonja that stands out as one of the most important, elegant, civic buildings in Europe. It was declared a World Heritage Monument by the UNESCO. The two parts of the city are joined by the beauty of its old robust but elegant stone bridges.
Valencia is a focal point of art and imagination, where visitors can enjoy fascinating exhibitions in the city's many museums. The Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) is one of the best of its kind, with a large collection of Gothic altarpieces as well as works by Sorolla, Velázquez, Van Dyck, Goya, Murillo and El Greco among others. The IVAM (Valencian Museum of Modern Art) offers the latest tendencies in contemporary art in its permanent and temporary exhibitions. The Marques de Dos Aguas Palace, seat of the National Ceramics Museum, is a building of intriguing beauty, a prime example of flamboyant Gothic architecture. The great sculpted alabaster doorway, by José Vergara, and the sumptuous rooms, are its most outstanding features.