Architecture: Valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences is a major architectural achievement and one of the leading attractions in all of Spain. Native architect Santiago Calatrava is responsible for this futuristic structure, that has won worldwide acclaim. The CAS contains a science museum, hanging gardens, a performing arts center, a planetarium and an aquarium.

The Calatrava bridge is an example of the innovative architecture found in Valencia. Passing over the Turia river bed the area is now a fantastic garden and recreational center. The Palau de la Música, with its huge glass dome it the main venue for the cities concerts and cultural events.

The town council and post office in the historic center of town stand out as impressive buildings. The historic quarter also has some monuments and buildings that date back to the Arab rule in Spain. Some of these palaces and stately buildings have been restored and turned into official government buildings, restaurants and museums.

The Gothic-style Cathedral tower is called the Miguelete, is a symbol of the city of Valencia and dates back to Roman times. Close to the cathedral is another church of Santa Catalina, a Gothic construction with a Baroque tower. The church of San Martín has a fine sculpture of St Martin on horseback giving his cape to a beggar.

Palacio de Batlia, the former Jaudenes palace dating back to the 15th century, has been declared a Historical National Monument. The Palacio de Justicia or the Palace of Justice with its neo-classical style has also been declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument.

In Valencia modernity blends in harmoniously with the historical past, combining technological developments to traditional ways of life.

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