Valencia, Spain
Valencia is Spain's third largest city but I saw very little
of it other than the Historic Centre simply because there is so much there to
see and do there. Make no mistake about it, this is a lively city (not frenetic
but busy) with great architecture and many attractions. While the Cathedral is
at the heart of the city, there are many other churches and plazas which create
equally attractive places to enjoy the city.
The Central market (photo to left) is grand structure which has been restored and is well maintained. it is The choice of fruit and vegetables is tempting but the really impressive part is the fish and seafood section.
Valencia has so many sights and places of interest that it is difficult to select which ones to describe. The markets, the cathedral and churches, the 14th century towers marking the city walls (which have since been demolished), the 15th Century Silk Market (Longa de ja Seda) which is the oldest secular Gothic structure in Europe . And as if that was not enough, the modern buildings of the City of Science designed by Santiago Calatrava (Valencia born engineer) bring the city right up to date.
The Central market (photo to left) is grand structure which has been restored and is well maintained. it is The choice of fruit and vegetables is tempting but the really impressive part is the fish and seafood section.
Valencia has so many sights and places of interest that it is difficult to select which ones to describe. The markets, the cathedral and churches, the 14th century towers marking the city walls (which have since been demolished), the 15th Century Silk Market (Longa de ja Seda) which is the oldest secular Gothic structure in Europe . And as if that was not enough, the modern buildings of the City of Science designed by Santiago Calatrava (Valencia born engineer) bring the city right up to date.
Photo gallery
This is a mixed bag : cathedral, markets, Calatrava buildings and the Modernist railway station. This photo is just one part of the elaborate entrance to the Ceramics Museum.
Valencia Botanic Garden
This garden is an excellent example of blending plants and trees with creative hard landscaping (the stone walks have patterns). I have never seen a 'shade house' before and this one built in ther1880's and is stunning. It is such a treat to have such a lovely garden in the city centre.
Comment: My friend Masutaro liked the cat picture and provided this enlightening comment:
I have seen your latest travel report. The best photo of all is the “owl cat”. I really like it.
You say he looks like an owl but I must tell you that this sitting position in fact is the most legal and formal position a cat ever take. Many cats try to sit in this position however 999 out of 1000 cats fails, only few selected and fortunate cat can achieve this. I am pleased to say that my late Kinta was one of them
According to “cat’s protocol of the world” which is universal whether you are UK cat or Japanese cat, place paws right in front of and between hind legs, lightly touch each other, never leave too much gap between them, it is regarded very common.
Tail has to be long enough and straight enough to cover both paws softly. Eyes should not be open too wide but slightly narrowed as if meditating Face ever slightly tilted upward and mouth shut which gives some superiority and authority. Ears elected straight and direction is outwardly 45degree. Your owl cat satisfy almost all of the cat’s protocol and I suspect that he could be a member of a Valencian noble family.
Comment: My friend Masutaro liked the cat picture and provided this enlightening comment:
I have seen your latest travel report. The best photo of all is the “owl cat”. I really like it.
You say he looks like an owl but I must tell you that this sitting position in fact is the most legal and formal position a cat ever take. Many cats try to sit in this position however 999 out of 1000 cats fails, only few selected and fortunate cat can achieve this. I am pleased to say that my late Kinta was one of them
According to “cat’s protocol of the world” which is universal whether you are UK cat or Japanese cat, place paws right in front of and between hind legs, lightly touch each other, never leave too much gap between them, it is regarded very common.
Tail has to be long enough and straight enough to cover both paws softly. Eyes should not be open too wide but slightly narrowed as if meditating Face ever slightly tilted upward and mouth shut which gives some superiority and authority. Ears elected straight and direction is outwardly 45degree. Your owl cat satisfy almost all of the cat’s protocol and I suspect that he could be a member of a Valencian noble family.
Lonja de la Seda (Silk exchange)
This is the oldest secular Gothic building in Europe. Dating
from 1483, it is a strikingly simple (but technically complicated) structure
which has been beautifully restored. The slender columns are very elegant but I
also enjoyed the optical illusion in one of the floors. The small courtyard was
an unexpected bonus.
Fine Arts Museum
There's that man again! I was taken with the Velazquez self-portrait
in New York's Metropolitan Museum and there he is again. Looks a bit older and
rougher. There were other great paintings in the museum but the real masterpiece
was the triptych of the crucifixion by Hieronymus Bosch with its chilling cast
of characters.
The fine print
Valencia Cathedral
Holy Grail Chapel
Valencia Botanic Gardens
Shade House at the Botanic Gardens
More on the Shade House at the Botanic Gardens
Fine Arts Museum
Lonja de la Seda
Holy Grail Chapel
Valencia Botanic Gardens
Shade House at the Botanic Gardens
More on the Shade House at the Botanic Gardens
Fine Arts Museum
Lonja de la Seda
