Travel

A Valencian Corner: The Silk Exchange, The Central Market And The Church Of Saint John

I´ve seen The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) from Valencia (Spain) a thousand times. I love it and I could see it a thousand times more and still wouldn't get tired of it. The place is not very big and lacks furniture, but the huge wooden doors, very high ceilings and enormous columns are the real charm of La Lonja. The Silk Exchange was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for being one of the most stunning, most important and best preserved examples of Late Gothic architecture in the entire Europe.

The Silk Exchange, Valencia

Built at the beginning of XVIth century, La Lonja (The Silk Exchange) is the real emblem of the Golden Age of Valencia - the times when the city was one of Europe's main economic centres. La Lonja is a must see and there is no excuse on Earth one could have not to see it while in Valencia. La Lonja is composed of three parts (plus the Orange Garden - a walled court-yard). The main hall, Sala de Contratacion (The Contract Hall) is an enormous, lavishly decorated space supported by gorgeous twisted columns. This was the centre of life in La Lonja, the place where the merchants would meet, deal and sign. The side-wing is named the Pavilion of the Consulate, and this was the seat of the Tribunal del Mar - the first merchant tribunal to ever be formed in Spain. The first two floors were the main function rooms, with the upper one hosting a richly decorated ceiling - a masterpiece of medieval art which had the King ride out of the capital just to see it. La Lonja is situated only 5 minutes from the Town Hall, basically in the heart of Valencia and next to many restaurants, souvenir shops and typical tapas bars tourists and locals alike so enjoy. The entrance is free but the place closes on Mondays, like many other European museums.

The Central Market (central dome), Valencia

Right opposite La Lonja, The Central Market (El Mercado Central) is one of the oldest running food markets in Europe, although the building itself was constructed in the beginning of the XX century (the building was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928), in Art Nouveau style, with lots of colourful ceramics and mosaics. The Central Market is an excellent piece of architecture. The combination between iron, domes, glass and tiles is simply marvellous as if this is some sort of cathedral of the Valencian merchants. The inside is a fabulous feast of aromas, smells and colours and one can be easily impressed with the selection of jamón on display. El Mercado Central is really worth seeing - go all the way around it to appreciate different angles. The market is still as lively as ever, as if centuries have not passed by. A snapshot of real Valencian daily life and, needless to say, a perfect place to buy some local delicacies. El Mercado Central in Valencia is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily except Sunday so make sure you plan your shopping time wisely.

Just next to the market is The Church of Saint John (La Iglesia de San Juan del Mercado) built in 1240 on top of an old mosque. Gothic at it's origins, this church became baroque with the pass of the years. It is definitely worth a visit in order to complete this architectural triangle of Valencia.

The Church of Saint John, Valencia

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