Believe it or not, Valencia offers a lot more than glorious sunshine and amazing beaches. Similar to its sister cities of Madrid and Barcelona, art and culture are firmly ingrained in Valencia’s history.From the Muslim fortress of Almudín, the Fallas museum, to the impressive Gothic architecture of The Silk Exchange, there are certainly a lot of things to see and do.

Whether its history and architecture you are looking for it’s sure to be found somewhere within walking distance of the city. The best thing of all is that these museums are free on the weekends and public holidays. And there is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than visiting some of Valencia’s best monuments and museums.

Monuments In Valencia

Cripta Arqueológica de la Cárcel de San Vicente Mártir

San Vicente Mártir is a patron saint of Valencia, Portugal and Zaragoza. According to history this is place where he was imprissioned and tortured for promoting Christianity. Throughout his torture he never renounced his Christian faith resulting to his death on January 22 304 AD. It is even considered as the place where Christianity in Valencia originated from. This Visigothic funerary chapel was discovered during the course of an archaeological excavation.

Atarazanas

Located in the port of Valencia the Atarazanas is a fine example of civil Gothic architecture. Constructed at the end of the 14th century it was used for manufacturing, storage and repair of ships. Now it is used as a building to house some of the exhibitions that takes place in Valencia.

Almudín

Located behind the cathedral, in the grounds of the old Muslim fortress, the almudín dates back to the fourteenth century. Built to be the main granary of the city, it was used to sell and store grain. The name comes from the Arabic origin “almud”, which is the unit of grain measurement. It is now use to host exhibitions and art shows in Valencia.

Palacio de Cervelló

From the outside it might just look like any other building but this was the former house of the royal family of Valencia. As you would expect from the grandeur of a royal home, here you will find paintings of the kings and queens of Spain, elaborate chandeliers, grand rooms an impressive ballroom and library. As well as preserving the city’s royal history it is also used as a municipal archive of Valencia.

La Lonja De La Seda

An impressive masterpiece of Gothic architecture, La Lonja De La Seda is one of Valencias emblematic buildings. The building has been declared by UNESCO as part of Humanity’s Heritage in 1996. Compared to a small Alhambra this gothic style building was used as a  trading centre back in the 15th century. The orangery in the centre and the spiral columns extending up for several tens of meters are a real taste of imperial Spain.

Torres de Serranos

An ancient gate of old Valencia, the Towers of Serranos was built by Pere Balaguer between 1392 and 1398.  Visually it is impressive and a testament to the Gothic architecture of the time. By climbing the towers you will be able to see the amazing view of the city.

Torres de Quart

This gothic style entrance to the city of Valencia. “Torres de Quart, ”is one of the twelve gates of the once ancient wall that surrounded the old city of Valencia. The towers were one of the main entrances to the city. They were built in the 15th century (between 1441 and 1460) by Francesco Baldomar and Pere Compte.

Museums In Valencia

Palau del Marqués de Campo

The Museo de la Ciudad is a stately building located in the heart of the historical centre. Next to the Basilica of the Virgin and the Almudín. Its beautifully restored rooms house a variety of art collections and artefacts.

Casa-Museo Blasco Ibáñez

Home of the famous Valencian writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. This impressive museum is located in Malvarossa. The building was built in 1902 and reformed as a museum in the summer of 1997.

Casa-Museo Benlliure

The Museum showcases the life of one of the most famous artist from Valencia. Built-in 1883 the house has three floors, a pavilion and a garden. The garden was designed by Benlliure himself and house a large variety of plants from palm trees, orange trees. José Benlliure was born in El Canyamelar in 1855 and died this home. It was then converted into a museum in 1937.

Museo Ciencias Naturales

The museum is located in the emblematic Jardines de Viveros. The origin of the museum dates back to the legacy that Rodrigo Botet made at the end of the 19th century and that remained in the historic Paleontological Museum of Almudín until the end of the last century.

Museu d`Història de València

The Museu d`Història de València is located near the Parque de Cabecera. A space, with archaeological, photographic and virtual backgrounds. where you can enter into the historical past of Valencia. The Museum collects life of the city from the time of its foundation, with the Romans, going through the Arab, medieval, until today.

Museo del Arroz

The Rice Museum is located in the neighbourhood of Cabanyal. In an old rice mill that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The purpose of the museum is to showcase the process of industrialisation of rice. A culture deeply rooted in the tradition of Valencia.

Museo de la Semana Santa Marinera

Next to the Port of Valencia, in Canyamelar is the Casa Museo de la Semana Santa Marinera. This interesting museum showcases costumes of various brotherhoods, thrones and ancient banners. Get to know the history and traditions of the famous Semana Santa in Valencia.

Museo Fallero

The Fallero Museum houses the collection of ninots of the Fallas. These ninots are saved from burning by popular vote that takes place at the Ninot Exposition every year. The chosen ninots then becomes a part of the museum and displayed so that visitors can admire them.

Casa-Museo de las Rocas

Despite its central location, Casa de las Rocas is relatively unknown. This house dates back in to 1434, and here you can view the impressive carriages, artefacts and costumes that are used for Valencias religious processions. The entrance to the building is not to be missed, because it has one of the highest doors in the city!

Museo Histórico Municipal

The Museo Historico Municipal is located in the Ayuntamiento Building. Founded by the Archbishop in the 18th century, now incorporated into the town hall. The museum has 46 engravings that show Visions of the City, dated to the end of the 18th century and reaching the middle of the 19th century.